Tax Guide Full of Useful Information

Residents across Lambton-Kent-Middlesex are receiving my Tax Guide booklet in the mail this week. Please take a moment to look through the booklet as it is full of useful information to help ensure everyone takes full advantage of all the tax savings measures passed by our Conservative government. Since forming government in 2006, we have cut taxes 160 times, saving the average family of four about $3,400 per year. If you haven’t received your Tax Guide booklet, give my office a call and we’d be happy to get one to you.

Working to End Gender-Based Violence

I fully support our government’s initiative and our commitment to ending violence against women and girls in all of its forms. We have launched a new national Call for Proposals entitled Working in Partnership to End Violence Against Women and Girls. Through this call, we will provide funding to organizations across Canada for projects that foster partnerships within and among communities to prevent gender-based violence. I encourage organizations within Lambton-Kent-Middlesex that assist women and children in these types of situations to apply for the funding. You can find out more on my website www.bevshipley.ca

Cracking Down on Violent Repeat Offenders

In Canada, it’s important to put the rights of law-abiding citizens ahead of violent offenders. Our government will be introducing legislation to further protect Canadian families by ending the practice of automatic early release for repeat violent criminal offenders. The way things are now, federal offenders serving fixed-term sentences are allowed to serve the final third of their sentences in the community under supervision and subject to conditions. We think this is the wrong approach and will take measures to end this practice.

The Oath of Citizenship

This issue has resurfaced in the news recently and I’d like to take a moment to clear up any confusion. It is my strong belief and that of our government that new Canadian citizens should recite their Oath of Citizenship proudly and for everyone to see and hear. We strongly oppose the wearing of any type of face covering during the reciting of the Oath and pledging allegiance to Canada and our Queen. Our government will be appealing last week’s court decision allowing people to cover their face while taking the Oath. When someone becomes a Canadian citizen, we believe they should embrace our culture and everything that makes us proud to be Canadian.

New Businesses Popping Up Across Lambton-Kent-Middlesex

It’s been encouraging to see so many new businesses opening up across Lambton-Kent-Middlesex recently. I enjoy stopping in to meet with owners and staff and am always happy to present a certificate to congratulate individuals on their new business ventures. If you’re opening a new business, be sure to get in touch with my Strathroy office at 519-245-6561 or toll free at 1-800-586-4614.

Did You Know?

-Our government has provided about $2.7 billion in annual targeted tax relief for seniors and pensioners.

-You must have your children’s long-form birth certificates in order to apply for their first passports.

-As all of us shiver through another frigid week, did you know there’s a high ridge in Antarctica on the East Antarctic Plateau where temperatures in several hollows can dip below minus 92 degrees Celsius on a clear winter night? Feel any warmer?

Until next time,

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