May 28, 2014

Great News from the Parliamentary Budget Officer

Yesterday the Parliamentary Budget Officer released a new report that says Canadians are saving more than $30 billion in federal taxes – or a little less than $1000 per person – as a result of our government’s tax changes. That’s $1000 back in your pocket to save, spend or invest as you see fit. And even better, the PBO found that lower income Canadians are benefiting the most from our tax changes, increasing their after-tax income by 4%. At the same time our government continues to make record investments in transfers to provinces, equalization payments, health care and other areas.

Troy’s Run

I spoke in the House this afternoon about an outstanding young man from Lambton-Kent-Middlesex who is an inspiration to many. 27 year old Troy Adams suffered a serious brain injury in a car accident 11 years ago. Among his many therapies, Troy found running to be very therapeutic and went on to run right across the country in 2012, establishing the Troy’s Run Foundation for brain injury awareness. Last week, I had the chance to meet with Troy to hear about his latest campaign, “helmets for all” promoting bicycle and sports helmet safety. June is National Brain Injury Awareness Month and I hope you will join me in congratulating Troy as he continues to raise funds and awareness.

Enabling Accessibility Funds

I’m pleased that two municipalities in my riding have received federal funds for accessibility projects. I had the chance last week to visit the Mayors of both Lambton Shores and Dawn-Euphemia to learn more about the projects they ‘re working on. In busy Grand Bend and Forest, audible pedestrian systems for traffic lights will be installed for the visually impaired; a great safety feature. The municipal office in Dawn-Euphemia is also receiving funds which will go towards an accessibility project for the public washrooms.

Summit on Maternal, Newborn and Child Health

Here in Canada we are fortunate that our families have access to the resources needed to live happy, healthy and productive lives. Unfortunately, this is not the case for many around the world. In fact, 6 million children will die before their 5th birthday and 300,000 women will die in pregnancy. Today marks the first day of an International Summit in Toronto on Maternal, Newborn and Child Health. This Summit builds on Prime Minister Harper’s strong leadership in bringing global maternal health and child health into the spotlight through the Muskoka Initiative several years ago. Thanks to the Initiative and subsequent global action, maternal mortality rates are declining and the lives of millions of children have been saved. Through this Summit we will be working to accelerate our health initiatives and continue to push this issue to the forefront.

Gone Fishing

There’s not much better than grabbing the old fishing rod and heading out for a day on the water. Recreational fishing contributes billions of dollars to the Canadian economy annually but our fisheries are threatened by pollution, invasive species, habitat loss and degradation. Our government recognizes the urgency of conservation in helping ensure that Canada’s recreational fisheries are strong for years to come. We’ve just announced $5.5 million in funding for 128 projects across the country to restore recreational fisheries habitats so they’ll be there for our children and grandchildren.

Did You Know?

-Low-income seniors, heavily indebted students and job-seeking youths are among the seven million Canadians getting a break from their banks. Canada’s biggest financial institutions have agreed to voluntarily reduce service costs to those that need to save the most.

-Having just celebrated Victoria Day last week, did you know that Queen Victoria’s birthday, May 24th has been celebrated in Canada since even before the beginning of her reign as Queen in 1837?

-Strathroy-Caradoc’s just completed Sleepy Hollow Railway relocation project will be featured on the TVO series “Giver.” TVO is also kicking in $10,000 of the cost of the relocation. All aboard!

Until next time,

Bev Shipley, M.P., Lambton-Kent-Middlesex