My Private Member’s Motion Gets Unanimous Support
I am pleased and honoured that all Members, from all parties, supported my Motion-382 on religious freedoms. It passed unanimously in the House of Commons April 24th. Through this Motion, and the newly established Office of Religious Freedom, we’ll strive to ensure that individuals in other countries are free from persecution based on their religion, belief or desire to change religious beliefs. You can watch the final vote on my website www.bevshipley.ca

A Red Anniversary
Yesterday marked the 7th anniversary of the launch of the Red Friday Campaign in Canada. The premise is simple: wear red on Fridays to show support for members of the Canadian Armed Forces who put their lives on the line defending our country’s peace and freedom. I encourage Canadians to continue wearing red every Friday in honour of our troops. It’s a small yet significant gesture that means the world to those serving and to their families.

Financial Assistance for More Students
Every parent knows, paying for post-secondary education can be a major challenge. Our government is taking steps to help more families. The low and middle income thresholds for Canada Student Grants and Part-Time Canada Student Loans and Grants have been adjusted to allow more students to qualify for financial assistance for the 2013-2014 school year. The change comes into effect August 1, 2013. For more information head to http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/jobs/student/loans_grants/index.shtml

Have Your Say on Postal Service
The Conference Board of Canada recently released a report on the future of Canada Post projecting that the relentless decline in mail volumes may lead to losses of close to $1 billion a year by 2020. Canada Post understands the important role it plays across the country, but the reality is, the Corporation must address financial losses and avoid becoming a drain on taxpayers. As constituents, you are Canada Post customers and a large part of this discussion. Canada Post is seeking your views. You can share them at www.canadapost.ca or by mail to: The Future of Canada Post, 2701 Riverside Dr Suite 800, Ottawa ON K1A 0B1

Charity Super Credit
Giving to charity is something many of us have been doing for years. In an effort to encourage charitable giving by new donors, our government has created the First-Time Donor’s Super Credit (FDSC) for first-time claimants of the Charitable Donations Tax Credit (CDTC). It provides an additional 25-percent tax credit for a first-time donor on up to $1,000 in donations. The FDSC is available in respect of donations made after March 20, 2013 through to 2017.

Thanking Some Very Special People
It’s Mother’s Day on Sunday! A day to thank all the wonderful mothers in our lives. Whether they’re your own mom, your wife, your sisters, or your daughters. They’re amazing women.
And we’re marking National Nurses Week this week and thank all the hard-working, dedicated nurses across Lambton-Kent-Middlesex.

A Shipley Reunion
I’m sure we can all agree that there’s a great satisfaction in working hard and getting the job done. But there’s also a time to kick back with your family and enjoy your many blessings. Barb and I had the chance to do that over the weekend as our whole family gathered at our farm for a Shipley Reunion. It was wonderful and I do feel blessed every day to have such a rewarding job and such a supportive, loving family. Grandpa Bev having some fun with some of the grandkids.

Until next time.

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