Remembrance Day
This Sunday, November 11th, Canadians across the country will pause to honour our Veterans, past and present. The achievements and sacrifices of our men and women in the Armed Forces have helped define and defend Canada’s values of freedom and democracy and they will always be remembered.
My wife Barb and I attend as many Remembrance Day ceremonies as we can, but again this year I’m thankful to have many individuals representing me across Lambton-Kent-Middlesex. They will be laying a wreath on my behalf for the Federal Government. Please try to attend a Remembrance Day ceremony in your community. Lest we forget.

I had the honour of joining WWII Veteran Russell Elliott , and Dawn-Euphemia Mayor Bill Bilton at the Remembrance Day ceremony in Florence last Sunday.

The New $20 Bill
This week, the new $20 bill went into circulation. The polymer note features the Canadian National Vimy Memorial located in Northern France. It is our government’s hope that this new bank note will serve as a reminder of the tremendous sacrifices of the past and the valour of our Veterans who fought in the First World War.

Canada-Panama Free Trade Agreement
This week, our Government passed the Canada-Panama Free Trade Agreement, which will create jobs for Canadian businesses and agriculture. Canada and Panama already enjoy a strong trading relationship that will only be made stronger with this agreement. Our Government’s ambitious pro-trade plan is opening new markets within the Americas, creating opportunities for Canadian businesses and workers and, as we recover from the global economic downturn, securing future prosperity for Canadians and our trading partners. It’s disappointing the NDP voted against the agreement, again opposing a chance to help business.

House of Commons Page Program
Each year, 40 bilingual students from across Canada are chosen to live the action on Parliament Hill by assisting Members of Parliament and other House Officials with their work in the House of Commons. The Page Program provides young Canadians with the best seats in the country to listen to heated parliamentary debates, learn about politics first hand as well as share this once in a lifetime opportunity with fellow young Canadians from coast to coast. If your son or daughter is starting University at one of the four National Capital Region Universities in the fall, has an average of 80% and is fluent in both official languages, they can apply to become a Page. The deadline is December 20th. For more information visit www.parl.gc.ca/hocpage
New Passports Unveiled
Our Government has unveiled the new ePassport. Full of iconic images, the new passports are not only more reflective of who we are as Canadians, they’re more secure. The first 5-year ePassports will be issued in select locations during the first quarter of 2013. A 5- and 10- year ePassport will be available in early summer. Read more at http://www.ppt.gc.ca/articles/20121026.aspx?lang=eng
Until next time.

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