Bev’s Briefing-e-newsletter

Enabling Accessibility Applications Now Being Accepted

Organizations across Lambton-Kent-Middlesex are being encouraged to apply for funding for projects that will help improve accessibility in community facilities. Proposals can involve many different projects, however priority will be given to projects that enhance access for children with disabilities (playgrounds and recreational facilities), veterans with disabilities or seniors with disabilities. Eligible organizations can receive grants of up to $50,000. The deadline for submissions is April 27, 2015. For more information head to my website www.bevshipley.ca and click on Enabling Accessibility Fund.

New Benefits and Services for Veterans and Families

Our government has unveiled two new initiatives to improve benefits and services for Canada’s Veterans and their families. Joined by Veterans’ groups and members of the Canadian Armed Forces, Veterans Affairs Minister Erin O’Toole made the announcement earlier this week. The first part of the announcement is a plan to enhance support for seriously injured Veterans by ensuring more Veterans will be eligible for a key monthly financial benefit (the Permanent Impairment Allowance) under the New Veterans Charter. As well, the Minister announced a proposed new support that recognized the vital role played by informal caregivers of our most seriously injured Veterans, which often includes their families. The new Family Caregiver Relief Benefit would provide eligible Veterans with an annual tax-free grant of $7,238, allowing their informal caregivers to take a well-deserved break while ensuring the Veterans continue to get the support they need.

Financial Assistance for Travelling Veterans

Commemorative ceremonies will be held this May marking the 70th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands. With so many residents of Dutch descent calling Lambton-Kent-Middlesex home, I wanted to make sure everyone knew about a unique opportunity for travel assistance for those wishing to head over to Holland for the special ceremonies. Veteran’s Affairs Canada is offering up to $2,000 in travel assistance for eligible Veterans heading back to the Netherlands. For more information and to fill out an application, head to http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/history/second-world-war/liberation-netherlands/70th-anniversary

Help for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses

It can be very difficult for small and medium-sized Canadian businesses looking to export in emerging markets. They face greater challenges accessing financing for a variety of reasons, including having little or no credit history, few tangible assets to use as collateral and more volatile sales and earnings. That’s why Prime Minister Stephen Harper has announced a new export market development program which would provide $50 million over five years in direct financial assistance to entrepreneurs seeking to export to emerging markets for the first time. That could include small businesses right here in Lambton-Kent-Middlesex. More information is available at http://pm.gc.ca/eng/news/2015/03/18/prime-minister-harper-announces-support-help-boost-canadian-exports

Did You Know?

-Since the creation of the Enabling Accessibility Fund in 2007, our government has funded over 1,800 projects, helping thousands of Canadians gain better access to their communities’ facilities, programs and services.

-It takes approximately 40 litres of sap to produce one litre of maple syrup.

-Grand Bend beach has just been named 3rd best in Canada by Reader’s Digest.

Until next time,

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