Bev Shipley -- Lambton - Kent - Middlesex - Finally, an End to the Long Gun Registry

February 24, 2012

At long last, the House of Commons passed the Ending the Long Gun Registry Act last week and sent it to the Senate in a 159-130 vote. We are delighted to be closer than ever to fulfilling our promise to do away with the $2 billion boondoggle that criminalizes law-abiding Canadians, like farmers, duck-hunters and sports shooters right here in Lambton-Kent-Middlesex. As many of you know, the registry records will also be destroyed, finally putting an end to this wasteful and ineffective piece of legislation.

Protection for our Children

Our government has re-introduced the Protecting Children from Internet Predators Act. We are committed to ensuring that criminals, sexual predators, gangs and terrorists cannot exploit technology to hide their illegal activities. Technology has been growing by leaps and bounds in recent years, but the current legislation was implemented way back when the methods of telecommunication consisted of telephone and telegraph. Needless to say, investigative tools available to the police have not kept pace. This proposed legislation would provide law enforcement with the modern investigative tools they need to help fight crime and protect our children from online pornography and exploitation. We want to be clear; the Protecting Children from Internet Predators Act will not allow government to monitor private conversations, web surfing or the emails of Canadians. Police will not be able to read emails or view web activity unless they obtain a warrant issued by a judge.

A Faster, Fairer Immigration System

Canada has the most fair and generous immigration system in the world; however, we have no tolerance for those who abuse the system. Showing we are committed to strengthening the integrity of the immigration system, our government has introduced the Protecting Canada’s Immigration System Act. It will make Canada’s refugee system faster and fairer. It will put a stop to foreign criminals, human smugglers and bogus refugees abusing the system and receiving lucrative taxpayer-funded health and social benefits. At the same time, this bill will provide protection more quickly to those who are truly in need.

Helpful Tax Guide

My helpful Tax Guide has been delivered across the riding and we’ve already been receiving some positive feedback. The 15-page guide is packed full of information on tax deductions and credits you might be entitled to. The guide is also available here on my website.

BEWARE- Online Tax Scam

There are a number of online scams suggesting you can get a tax refund or maximize your refund by responding to an unsolicited email. These scams seem to pop up this time of year, as people prepare to file their income taxes. The Canada Revenue Agency never corresponds with taxpayers by email. If you receive an email suggesting it is from the CRA, it is a scam and should be avoided. Following the email’s instructions could expose you to identity theft and/or fraud.

Until next time.

Bev Shipley, M.P.

Lambton-Kent-Middlesex