March 24, 2014

New Horizons for Seniors Funding
I am pleased to have recently been able to support the Royal Canadian Legion Sir Arthur Currie Branch 116 and the Strathroy Senior’s Centre with funding through our Government’s New Horizons for Seniors program. The funds go towards projects that help seniors benefit from, and contribute to, the quality of life in their communities through active living and participation in social activities. You can find out more about the program at www.edsc.gc.ca/eng/seniors/funding/index.shtml

Home From Afghanistan
As two CF-18 fighter jets roared overhead, Prime Minister Harper welcomed home men and women who were among the last members of the Canadian Armed Forces to return after serving in Canada’s mission in Afghanistan. To honour the exemplary service of the over 40,000 Canadian Armed Forces members who have been deployed to Afghanistan, the Prime Minister also announced that May 9th, 2014 will be a National Day of Honour, in recognition and commemoration of Canada’s military mission there. In a fight to defeat the threat of terrorism, our soldiers helped create an environment in which schools, hospitals and dams could be built. There was also support for the development of governance and judicial systems. Sadly, some Canadians made the ultimate sacrifice while others were injured carrying out their duties. We owe them and their families a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid.

Congratulations to our Paralympic Athletes
The Paralympic Games in Sochi, Russia have come to a close and I want to congratulate all of our Canadian athletes who took part. We had two local athletes in the Games, and both did an incredible job representing Canada. Forest’s Tyler McGregor won a bronze medal as part of the Sledge Hockey team and Mark Ideson, who curls out of Ilderton, was a member of the gold medal winning Curling team. Way to go guys!

Much Thanks to an Incredible Finance Minister
Jim Flaherty has decided to resign and I would be remiss if I didn’t take the opportunity to thank him, on behalf of all Canadians, for his amazing job as Finance Minister. Jim, along with Prime Minister Harper, managed to steer this country through the worst recession since the depression of the 1930’s. I also thank him for his commitment and friendship and wish him much success in the future!

Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards
The call for nominations for the Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards was recently announced and the process continues until May 9, 2014. There are 17 awards in total recognizing the enormous contributions volunteers, not for profit organizations and businesses make to their communities. I encourage anyone who has a name to put that name forward. Learn more about the award categories and how to submit a nomination at www.pm.gc.ca/PMVA

Did You Know?
-Back in 2001, 800-thousand BOYS attended school in Afghanistan. Today, 40 percent of the 8 MILLION children who attend school there are GIRLS and Canada has played a huge role in that.
-In our support for seniors, over the past 8 years the New Horizons program has helped fund 13,000 projects across Canada.
-After 8 years in the job, Jim Flaherty was the longest serving Conservative Finance Minister ever.

Until next time.

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