January 29, 2013

Return of Parliament

Parliament resumed on Monday and I look forward to our legislative agenda for the coming session which will include the new Budget due out in March, and several key pieces of legislation. These include:

• the Faster Removal of Foreign Criminals Act;
• the First Nations Financial Transparency Act;
• the Increasing Offender Accountability for Victims Act;
• Enhancing Royal Canadian Mounted Police Accountability Act; and
• the Safer Witnesses Act.

Our Government’s Priorities

What I’ve heard is that it’s important to Canadians and people in Lambton-Kent-Middlesex that our top priorities continue to be creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity for Canadian families. In the face of continued global economic uncertainty, our plan is to continue focusing on the economy and build on the best job creation record of the major developed economies.


A Visit by a Federal Cabinet Minister

The Honourable Tony Clement, President of the Treasury Board of Canada, will be here in Lambton-Kent-Middlesex this Friday, for pre-budget consultations in Wallaceburg and Strathroy, and a few tours in the riding. Mr. Clement is also the Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario. We’re anticipating a lot of feedback from constituents at the budget sessions, hosted by the Chambers of Commerce from both communities. There’s still time to register. Head to my website www.bevshipley.ca for more information.

Oil Sands Companies come to LKM

The Albertans came to our riding last week and liked what they saw. I was pleased to help arrange the visit of five oil sands companies to meet with more than 50 area manufacturers and suppliers in Strathroy and Chatham. It’s no secret Alberta has a labour shortage and Ontario has a work shortage. Bringing them together to do business was a natural fit. My thanks to the Municipality of Chatham-Kent and the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc for their assistance.


New e-Passports

Some people have been asking my staff and I about the new e-Passports. They’re not available just yet. The first 5-year e-Passports will be issued in select locations during the first quarter of this year. A 5 and 10 year e-Passport will be available in early summer. The new passports do cost more, but they’re more secure and are more reflective of who we are as Canadians. Details can be found at www.ppt.gc.ca/articles/20121026.aspx?lang=eng


Doing Away with the Penny

On February 4, 2013 the Royal Canadian Mint will no longer distribute pennies. Also on this date, businesses will be encouraged to begin rounding cash transactions up or down, to the nearest five-cent increment. This rounding guideline has been used successfully by other countries for its cash transactions with the public. Only cash transactions will be affected. This will have no impact on payments made by cheque or electronic transactions. Why are we doing this? It’s going to save us all a lot of money! The estimated savings for taxpayers from phasing out the penny is $11 million a year.


Good Luck with Exams

All the best to the hundreds of high school students across Lambton-Kent-Middlesex who are writing their exams this week. Hard work and determination pay off. Good luck!

Until next time.