’m wrapping up what has been a wonderful week in the riding. We’ve had tremendous weather, numerous meetings and announcements across Lambton-Kent-Middlesex. It felt good to get back to my farming roots this week and see a number of neighbours getting anxious to get on the land.

I did attend the Grain Farmers of Ontario Conference in London and announced funding at the Western University Research Facility in Ilderton to help develop a new crop called the Jerusalem Artichoke. The plant is a new option for farmers and the project will examine the plant’s economic potential as feedstock to produce pharmaceuticals, biofuels and biochemicals.

Hesham El Naggar from Western, myself, and Peter Duenk and Franco Berruti from ICFAR (Institute for Chemicals and Fuels from Alternative Resources) discussing the new crop.

I also had a few radio interviews this week with MyFM in Strathroy, CHOK Radio in Sarnia and CKXS in Wallaceburg, talking about new tax credits this year for families, small business and volunteer firefighters. I had a great opportunity to meet with students from North Lambton Secondary School in Forest, to talk to them about their upcoming trip to Vimy Ridge. I know it will be a very memorable and rewarding experience for them. This year marks the 95th Anniversary of our Canadian troops victory at Vimy Ridge.

Safe Streets and Communities Act

I’ve been hearing from lots of people about the lenient sentence given to a sexual predator which made big news headlines this past week.  It is these kinds of cases that have prompted our government to deliver on another key commitment to protect victims of crime by passing the Safe Streets and Communities Act. One of the Bills included in the Act requires mandatory minimum sentences for child predators. While we were able to keep our commitment to pass this legislation within the first 100 days of Parliament, it is unfortunate that opposition parties were able to block it until just last week, and not in time to apply to this case.

As most of you know, the abolition of the long-gun registry is a separate crime bill, already passed in the House of Commons, which we expect will receive final Senate approval and Royal Assent very soon.

Protection for Seniors

Did you know that thirty-five percent of crimes against the elderly are committed by family members? This is just one of the reasons why we have introduced new legislation to ensure that sentencing for crimes against elderly Canadians reflects the significant impact that crime has on their lives. Protecting our seniors from those who take advantage of them remains a priority for our government.

PM Harper Expanding Trade Opportunities

Our Prime Minister is visiting Thailand and Japan this week, paving the way for new trade agreements.  This is good news for farmers, industry and exporters as our government continues to seek new markets for Canadian products and jobs.

Until next time.

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