August 16, 2013

Summer in the Riding

It’s hard to believe we’re just over two weeks away from the unofficial end of summer with the beginning of a new school year and the start of the harvest for many crops across Lambton-Kent-Middlesex. I, like my fellow MP’s, head back to Parliament Hill in mid-September for the start of the Fall session. This summer has been a great opportunity for me to get out and visit with many of you at your businesses or at the many events I’ve attended across the riding. Thank you for all of your kind words and great feedback over the summer.

By the way, if you have a small business and would still like to meet with me, call my Strathroy office at 519-245-6561 to set something up.

MPP, Family of Three

Congratulations to my friend and colleague, MPP Monte McNaughton and his wife Kate on the birth of their first child, Annie. I’m sure Monte and Kate will find this time with their new baby incredibly rewarding, and I wish them all the very best. Life is sure going to change!

Clearing up Big Three Misconceptions

The Big Three telecoms – Bell, Rogers and Telus – have launched a public relations campaign to persuade Canadians and our Conservative Government to change our telecoms policy. They argue that government policy favours foreign entrants, like Verizon in the U-S, over established companies like themselves. Our government’s view is clear, we want greater competition across Canada which then translates into cost savings for consumers. It’s not just lip service. Our actions have resulted in an 18 percent decrease in the average cost of wireless services for Canadian families since 2008. Our goal is, through greater competition, to keep those prices coming down.

Another Successful Year at WAMBO

We had a great time at our summer barbeque following the interdenominational church service at the Wallaceburg Antique Motor Boat Outing (WAMBO). This is the second year we’ve hosted the BBQ and it was a great success. Thanks to all the volunteers who always make things run smoothly and to M&M Meat Markets for the great food. We’ll do it again next year!

Engineer for a Day

“I’ve been working on the railroad, all the live-long day,” but I learned a lot more from Wallaceburg railroad expert Bill Namink than just “passing the time away.” Bill allowed me to play engineer for the day in one of three locomotives he is restoring – two of which are already complete. With a long and distinguished career in the railroad business, I don’t think I’ve met anyone with his depth of knowledge about the business. Thanks Bill, it was a great day!

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Did You Know?

-99% of the oil we export and 100% of the gas we export goes to the United States and that’s why our focus is on developing new markets.

-50% of all production in agriculture is produced by 8% of the farmers.

-This is a great time to be buying local produce from farmer’s markets, outdoor stands and even your local supermarket to support our local farmers.

Until next time.

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