Congratulations L-K-M Grads!

I’d like to say congratulations to all the graduates of 2014! It’s an enormous achievement and one in which you can take great pride. I’m sure when you were sitting in the classroom somedays, you thought the end would never come. Well, here it is, and when you look back, the years will have seemed to fly by. Best wishes to all of you as you continue your education or start out in an exciting new career. If you have any questions related to federal programs, please contact my constituency offices in Strathroy or Wallaceburg.

Parliament Adjourns for the Summer

Parliament has adjourned for the summer months, allowing MP’s to head back into their home ridings to continue to focus on issues that are of most importance right at home. Since being appointed Chair of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food last September, it has been both a learning experience and a great opportunity to become even more involved in agricultural issues right across the country. Our committee has been very involved in the Canada-Europe Trade Agreement and we are currently waiting for that agreement to be ratified. Since one in five Canadian jobs and 60 percent of our Gross Domestic Product rely on trade, it’s important to continue the work our government is doing in securing trade pacts around the world, which translates into more jobs and a stronger economy. Since 2006, Canada has concluded 10 free trade agreements, including the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement or CETA (which actually includes 28 countries) and the recent Canada-South Korea Free Trade Agreement. This is our first free trade agreement with the lucrative Asian market. As you know, Canada is an export nation in many respects, including agriculture, natural resources, automotive, mining, and aerospace to mention a few. Trade agreements have been one of the reasons our economy continues to stay strong.

Accessibility Funding Available

Our government has launched the call for proposals for the Enabling Accessibility Fund, for projects that increase accessibility in Canadian communities. The deadline for submitting proposals is Friday, August 1, 2014. To see if your project might be eligible and for application information, head to http://www.esdc.gc.ca/eng/disability/eaf/

Celebrating Canada Day

On July 1st, Canadians from across our great country will come together to commemorate the birth of our nation, as Canada celebrates its 147th birthday! With our rich history, strong values and sense of purpose, there is so much to be proud of. As Canadians, we are truly fortunate to call Canada home. This Canada Day, please join me in celebrating by attending one of the many events that are taking place in Lambton-Kent-Middlesex. Whether it’s a family barbeque, Canada Day parade or fireworks show, get on your red and white and get out and enjoy it! Just a reminder. Paper Canadian flags for your window can be picked up in both our Strathroy and Wallaceburg offices.

Proud to be Canadian Photo Contest

Please add your photo to the entries in my Proud to be Canadian photo contest on Facebook. Email your best Canada Day pictures to [email protected], we’ll post them all to Facebook, and the judging will begin. The photo with the most “likes” wins a Canadian flag in a decorative wooden box. Voting wraps up July 3rd so get your pictures in as soon as you can. Just about any patriotic pictures will work. Snap photos of your kids dressed up for Canada Day, your home…or even your pet! Have fun with it. We’ll be sure to include the winning picture in the next edition of Bev’s Briefings. All the contest details can be found on my website www.bevshipley.ca

Did You Know? A Canada Day Quiz (answers can be found in the photo contest section on my webpage www.bevshipley.ca)

The word Kanata (which became Canada) roughly translates to
a) Big land
b) Land of many animals
c) Village or settlement

What falls under proper protocol when it comes to the Canadian flag?
a) Writing on or putting pins on the flag
b) Facing the flag when it is carried past in a parade or review
c) Ensuring the Canadian flag is not displayed in a position that is inferior to any other flag

Canada Day was called something else until 1982. What was it called?
a) Kanata Day
b) Dominion Day
c) Confederation Day

Until next time,

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