Fall is here and with the changing of the leaves, the cooler weather arriving and the harvest underway, we’re all reminded Thanksgiving isn’t far off. Remember to take time out for family and friends this weekend and celebrate the truly important people in your life. Happy Thanksgiving!
We continue to be very busy up in Ottawa, debating legislation that should have been passed long ago. The Safe Streets and Communities Act includes several justice bills bundled into one, not only targeting sexual predators who prey on children, but making it easier to prosecute human smugglers and drug traffickers.
We’ve also had some inquiries about the abolition of the long-gun registry which will be introduced as a stand-alone bill soon.
Safe Streets and Communities Act
Our government received a strong mandate from Canadians to deliver on our campaign promises. By moving quickly to reintroduce comprehensive law-and-order legislation -- the Safe Streets and Communities Act -- the Government is fulfilling its promise to take action to protect families and victims and to hold criminals accountable. Some news media and the opposition have been saying recently that we are “ramming” this legislation through. But I want to clear that up with some facts. The content of the Act has already been extensively debated. In Parliament, these combined bills have been debated on 52 separate days, including well over 250 speeches. They have also been in committee for 58 days, hearing 295 witnesses over 123 hours. The bill has now been voted on and referred to Committee for further study. We still feel confident we can have it passed before Christmas. To find out more about this legislation, head to www.justice.gc.ca
Bev Hosts South African Farmers
I had the great pleasure last month of hosting a group of about 20 farmers and others from the agriculture industry who were visiting from South Africa. They were looking at Canadian agriculture technology, innovation and research for practical application in their country and the experience was truly eye-opening. I wish them much success in the future.
Fall Fairs
It’s that time of the year again. Time to celebrate the harvest and attend fall fairs. Barb and I have had the pleasure of attending several fall fairs already and we congratulate all the contestants and those who have been named fall fair Ambassadors this year. We wish all Ambassadors much success in the year ahead. I would also like to congratulate all of those individuals who “show” and compete in the many other various classes...school displays, artwork, handwork, woodwork, baking and preserves. I also want to give special mention to all the young 4-H members who participate and show at the local fairs. Your hard work and commitment are to be commended. Fall fairs are a lot of fun for the whole family and remind us of the earlier days of our communities, towns and villages.
Legion Week
September 18 to 24 marked Legion Week in Ontario, a special time when local branches of the Royal Canadian Legion let their communities know about their programs and activities and how they are of service to the public. Did you know there’s a local connection to legion week? In 1953 Branch 113 in Dresden hosted the first legion week when members held an open house. Legion week has grown by leaps and bounds ever since, with 1980 being the first year legions across the province participated. In Ontario, there are more than 400 branches of the Royal Canadian Legion with more than 130,000 members. We thank legion members for their incredible support for our veterans, seniors and youth in our communities.
National Seniors Day
Canada marked its first National Seniors Day October 1 st . It coincided with the United Nations’ International Day of Older Persons and is an occasion for all Canadians to show their appreciation for our older generation. We recognize the many contributions seniors have made and continue to make as mentors and leaders, strengthening our families, our workplaces and our communities. I encourage you to find your own unique way to say thank-you to a senior.
Bev Walked a Mile in Her Shoes
And my feet still hurt! It was truly a great cause and a lot of fun taking part in the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event in Strathroy September 25th for the Women’s Rural Resource Centre. See ya next year!
Until next time.
Bev Shipley, M.P.
Lambton-Kent-Middlesex
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