Agriculture Roundtable Discussion

It was my pleasure to host Pierre Lemieux, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture earlier today. We held an agriculture roundtable with local farmers and had a great discussion. I will now take the concerns and comments back to Ottawa with me. All the MPs head back for the fall session September 17th.

Staying on the Right Track for Job Growth

Some encouraging numbers out this morning from Statistics Canada. Stats-Can announced that the economy created 34,000 net new jobs in August. The private sector led the way, creating nearly 30,000 of those jobs. Almost 770,000 net new jobs have been created in Canada since July 2009 and 90% of them have been full-time jobs, proving this country is on the right track for jobs and economic growth.

Canada’s Financial System Still Ranked #1

For the fifth year in a row, the World Economic Forum has ranked Canada’s financial system as the safest and soundest in the world. This is yet another sign that our Government’s plan to create jobs and economic growth for Canadians is getting results. We are proud that throughout the global recession, we maintained the number one spot for Canada’s financial system without having to bail out a single bank.

Apply for Funding to Improve Accessibility

The Enabling Accessibility Fund supports community-based projects that improve accessibility, remove barriers and enable Canadians with disabilities to participate in and contribute to their communities. The Small Project Component is the focus right now, providing grant funding of up to $50,000 per project to improve the built environment through renovation, construction and retrofitting of buildings; the modification of vehicles for community use; and enhancements to make information and communication technologies more accessible. Funding for at least 25 percent of the total eligible project costs must come from non-federal government sources. The deadline to apply is Oct. 5, 2012. Find out more at www.hrsdc.gc.ca

Fall Fairs in Full Swing

The fall fair season is once again upon us and I encourage all of you to get out and support your local fall fair! It’s time to celebrate the harvest and these gatherings remind us of the earlier days of our communities, towns and villages. I’d like to congratulate all the young contestants competing to become Ambassadors of the various fairs and wish all the Ambassadors who are chosen the best of luck in the coming year.

Meet Me in Ottawa

If you are coming to Ottawa during the fall session, make sure you contact my office on the Hill so that I can arrange to meet with you. The number is 613-947-4581.

Until next time.



Bev Shipley, M.P.

Lambton-Kent-Middlesex