Giving Your Opinion on Budget 2013

We’re putting the call out for input into Budget 2013 . Our government is currently working hard to implement Economic Action Plan 2012, a prudent, long-term plan to grow Canada’s economy, create jobs and get back to balanced budgets, and we must remain focused on this goal. Canada’s economy has performed well relative to other countries in recent years, but in these times of global economic uncertainty, we cannot afford to become complacent. As part of our government’s pre-budget consultations for 2013, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance is asking individuals, small businesses, non-profit groups, and industry organizations to make online submissions. The deadline is August 3 ^rd , so don’t delay. You can make your voice heard at http://bit.ly/LyJ1fM

Back Door Gun Registry Slammed Shut in Ontario

Last week, Public Safety Minister Vic Toews, frustrated by the continued collection of data even after the long-gun registry was abolished, changed regulations in the firearms act. This directly ordered all provincial firearms officers to stop forcing gun shops to collect this information. Reversing the province’s previous position, Ontario’s Chief Firearms Officer (CFO) announced Wednesday a letter will be sent to gun stores this week, telling merchants they will no longer be compelled to keep personal information on buyers. The CFO also said existing long-gun registry data – including the paper ledgers – will be destroyed.

Health Canada to Conduct Research Study into Wind Turbines

It was announced this week that Health Canada, in collaboration with Statistics Canada, will conduct a research study that will explore the relationship between wind turbine noise and health effects reported by, and objectively measured in, people living near wind power developments. I am taking this one step further, having written a letter to Premier Dalton McGuinty, requesting a moratorium on the development of further wind turbine projects in Lambton-Kent-Middlesex pending the completion of the study. Currently, eight projects consisting of some 400 turbines are slated for construction in our riding, and I am supporting the call of many concerned constituents who have contacted me, as well as my provincial counterpart MPP Monte McNaughton in requesting this moratorium. I also encourage the Premier to use the time between now and the projected completion of the study in 2014 to re-evaluate the efficacy and cost effectiveness of wind turbines as an alternative source of energy.

Summer BBQs Fast Approaching

Bev and Barb’s appreciation summer BBQs are just around the corner. This year, they’re being held at the Texas Longhorn Ranch (just outside Strathroy) July 22 ^nd from 2-4pm and just following the Inter-denominational church service during WAMBO celebrations in Wallaceburg August 12 ^th . If you plan on attending, please RSVP by calling 519-245-6561.

Until next time.

Bev Shipley, M.P.

Lambton-Kent-Middlesex