This weekend is one of my favourite weekends of the year. A time when we celebrate everything Canadian...it’s Canada Day! And while everyone dons their red and white, gathering for barbeques, a day at the beach and of course, to watch fireworks, I encourage all of you to think about how fortunate you are to live in this great country. At this time, we must also remember the Veterans past and present who have given us the country and the freedom we so cherish. Please take a minute to watch my Canada Day message available on my website at www.bevshipley.ca

Canada Day Events in Lambton-Kent-Middlesex

Lambton County
Brooke-Alvinston - July 1, 10:30 am - fireworks at dusk, Brooke Alvinston Inwood Community Centre
Grand Bend -  July 1, 10 am - fireworks at 10 pm
Forest -  July 1, 4 pm -  fireworks at 10 pm, Esli Dodge Conservation Area
Warwick -  June 30, fireworks at 10 pm, Warwick Conservation Area – Rain Date July 1
Kent County
Wallaceburg - July 1, 2 pm - fireworks at dusk, Kinsmen Park
Rutherford -  July 1, 4:30 pm Firefighters Chicken BBQ, Rutherford Firehall
Middlesex County
Glencoe -  July 1, 4:30 pm - fireworks at dusk, Glencoe Arena
Parkhill -  July 1, 6 pm - fireworks at dusk, Ken Vernon Park
Strathroy -  July 1, 7pm - fireworks at dusk, Gemini Sportsplex
Del-Ko-Brydge -  July 1, 11 am—fireworks at dusk, Mount Brydges Community Centre
Lucan -  June 30, 10 am - fireworks at dusk, Lucan Community Centre
Newbury -  July 1, 11 am - fireworks at dusk, Old Boy’s Park
Bryanston : July 1, 8 am - Firemen’s Breakfast, Bryanston Community Centre

Appreciation Summer Barbeque

Once again this year, my wife Barb and I are hosting appreciation summer barbeques and this time, the Strathroy event is at the Texas Longhorn Ranch. It’s being held July 22nd, from 2pm-4pm with swimming, fun activities and great food. We’re asking for a donation of 10 rolls of pennies (or equivalent) as we continue our penny fundraiser in support of the hospitals in Lambton-Kent-Middlesex. RSVP to 1-800-586-4614 or [email protected] A barbeque is also planned for Wallaceburg during WAMBO weekend, with details coming in a future e-newsletter.

Highest Credit Rating for Canada

I’m pleased that Canada has again received the highest credit rating available. This is built on Canada’s strong fiscal and economic position, which is the envy of most countries around the world. Canada-wide, there have been 760,000 net new jobs since July of 2009 and 90 percent of them have been full-time. This is good news, especially in relation to most countries; but we also know that there are still too many people without jobs. That’s why Budget 2012 will build on the successes of past budgets to create more jobs and long-term prosperity.

Health Benefits for Refugees

Several key pieces of legislation received Royal Assent this week, including Bill C-31: The Protecting Canada’s Immigration System Act. This Act provides faster protection to those who genuinely need refuge and faster removal for those who don’t. Another key aspect is removing supplemental health benefits and other non-urgent medical coverage for refugees. Some Canadians have been outraged to learn refugees were getting better health care than they were. I’d like to point out though, that there is no change in Interim Federal Health coverage for refugees for treatments affecting public health and public safety. All refugee claimants are also provided, free of charge, an Immigration Medical Exam, which screens for disease and provides the preventative health care that some critics claim is being lost. You can learn more at www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/releases/2012/2012-04-25.asp

More Relief for Dual-Citizens

Our government has been trying to assist dual-citizen Canadians and others on the US tax and FBAR (Foreign Bank Account Report) issue. The situation has been causing anxiety for many Canadians who hold dual-citizenship, some of whom only recently learned they had to file US tax returns even though they reside and work in Canada. We share their concerns and have raised them directly with the US government. For the latest information from the IRS on additional relief, in particular, special provisions for Canadian savings plans go to http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=258431,00.html

Dual citizens across Lambton-Kent-Middlesex are also encouraged to consult with a qualified tax advisor with experience in US taxation.

Until next time,

Bev Shipley, M.P.