October 21, 2014

New Steps to Help Fight Ebola

The Ebola outbreak in West Africa continues to be an issue of great concern around the world. To date, there have been no confirmed cases in Canada, the risk to Canadians remains low and our government is taking every precaution to ensure the safety of our citizens. On Friday, Canada’s Health Minister Rona Ambrose announced $30 million more in aid to the United Nations mission to fight the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. This will help strengthen global efforts to stop the outbreak, treat the infected, ensure essential services, preserve stability and prevent the spread of the Ebola virus in West Africa. Our government is also shipping about 800 vials of our experimental Ebola vaccine from Winnipeg to the World Health Organization. Canada has retained roughly a third of its overall inventory for further research and compassionate use in Canada as needed.

A Well Deserved Tribute

As a tribute to the eight years he spent dedicating his life to the financial well-being of Canadians, a Government of Canada building will be named in honour of former Minister of Finance, Jim Flaherty. The new James Michael Flaherty Building is a modern facility located at 90 Elgin Street in Ottawa that will accommodate the Department of Finance and the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat. One of the longest-serving Finance Ministers in the country’s history, Mr. Flaherty served from February, 2006 until his resignation in March, 2014. He passed away April 10, 2014.

More Tax Savings for Families

Most Canadian families are well aware of the Children’s Fitness Tax Credit (CFTC) by now. It’s about to become even more beneficial to families. Prime Minister Harper has announced our government’s intention to double the CFTC and make it refundable. The maximum amount of expenses that may be claimed under the credit will be doubled to $1,000 for the 2014 tax year and subsequent tax years, and the credit will be made refundable effective in the 2015 tax year and beyond. The enhancements will deliver additional tax relief to about 850,000 families who sign their children up for eligible fitness activities. For more information, head to www.fin.gc.ca/n14/14-136-eng.asp

A Tribute to our WWII Veterans

I have been pleased to see so many WWII veterans coming forward from across Lambton-Kent-Middlesex to get their names added to our list for a new tribute, a limited-edition commemorative lapel pin and a personalized certificate of recognition. This national tribute marks the 75th anniversary of Canada’s engagement in the Second World War and the extraordinary role Canadians played in the Allied victory. I would also like to thank the Legions across the riding for your help with this tribute in providing names of our veterans. The success of this program is only achievable because of your help. If you know of a WWII Veteran who might not be on our list, give my Strathroy office a call at 519-245-6561 or toll-free at 1-800-586-4614.

Big Hockey Tournament Coming to Lambton County

Lambton County and the city of Sarnia will be hosting the 2014 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge from November 2nd through the 8th. Three Canadian teams will be joined by Finland, Russia, Slovakia, Sweden and the United States. The 24-game tournament will be centered out of the RBC Centre in Sarnia but will also feature games at The Shores Recreation Centre in Forest. Those two communities, along with Watford and Petrolia, will host pre-tournament games on Halloween, October 31st. I was pleased to provide lots of Canadian flags for fans to wave during the games. GO Canada, GO!

Did You Know?

-The Children’s Fitness Tax Credit was introduced in Budget 2006 by the Honourable Jim Flaherty, who was Finance Minister at the time. The credit became effective in 2007 and as seen above, is being doubled for tax year 2014.

-More than 1,400 NHL draft picks have played in the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge since it began in 1986.

-Canada has a Virtual War Memorial. Take a look through this link. http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/memorials/canadian-virtual-war-memorial

Until next time,

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