International Trade Minister Visits LKM

It was great to welcome the Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade to the riding last weekend. Minister Fast attended our two roundtable discussions in Wallaceburg and Strathroy where we had invited members of the small business community and agriculture and agri-food industries. I want to thank all of the participants for taking some time out of their busy schedules to attend. The Minister was able to discuss the significance of trade to Canada and also the region of Lambton-Kent-Middlesex. He highlighted the fact that Canada has signed trade agreements with 38 countries since 2006, which include the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between Canada and the European Union which is expected to become Canada’s largest cross-border agreement in history. We were impressed with the level of discussion at the meetings and with some of the thoughts to take back to Ottawa for consideration.

Missing T4A’s for OAS and CPP

While tax slips for OAS and CPP (called T4A’s) are mailed out by Service Canada by the end of February, we get a number of calls in my constituency offices from seniors who have not yet received them and therefore can’t do their taxes. There may have been a change of address or some other issue that prevented them from arriving. We would be happy to help by requesting that Service Canada send out duplicates for any seniors who find themselves in this situation. Just give either my Strathroy (519-245-6561) or Wallaceburg (519-627-4899) offices a call.

Extending Our Mission Against ISIL

On March 30th, Parliament agreed to extend the mission against ISIL for up to 12 months. Our Government believes that we must continue to act to protect Canadians against the threat of terrorism at home and abroad. Over the past six months, as part of a broad international Coalition which includes our closest allies, we’ve succeeded in stopping ISIL’s territorial spread. However, the global threat remains. The mission will still be focused on targeting ISIL from the air and advising and assisting Iraqi Forces to fight ISIL more effectively on the ground. A large part of this is also a humanitarian mission to alleviate the suffering being inflicted upon innocent civilians many of whom have been forced from their homes. While the Opposition parties would like us to only focus on a humanitarian mission, Canada has never been one to stand on the sidelines. When there is a threat, we act and we are pushing back. We couldn’t be more proud of our Canadian Armed Forces for their service, sacrifice and bravery as they protect Canada’s interests at home and abroad.

Veterans New Critical Injury Benefit

We have just unveiled another new benefit for Veterans as we continue to roll out common-sense changes to the way services are being delivered. The proposed new Critical Injury Benefit (CIB) for Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and Veterans will provide a $70,000 tax-free benefit. It’s intended to address the immediate impacts of the most severe and traumatic service-related injuries or diseases sustained by CAF members and Veterans, between the time the injury or disease occurs and the time when their condition becomes medically stable. I’d like to point out that this benefit is separate from disability award payments Veteran’s Affairs issues to eligible CAF members and Veterans and that it’s retroactive to April 1, 2006. I’ve added more information about the Critical Injury Benefit and other initiatives in the new Support for Veterans and their Families Act to my website, so you can find out more at https://www.bevshipley.ca/new-critical-injury-benefit/

98th Anniversary of Vimy Ridge

April 9th marks the 98th Anniversary of the First World War battle of Vimy Ridge in northern France. I’m hoping that all residents of Lambton-Kent-Middlesex take some time to commemorate the First World War battle, which is so important in our history. Vimy Ridge paved the way to an Allied victory and solidified Canada as a sovereign nation. The battle also holds special significance in our area, as Strathroy-born General Sir Arthur Currie, helped lead our Canadians to victory with his carefully planned tactics. Please take a moment to discover more about the Vimy Foundation and plans for the 100th Anniversary in 2017 at https://vimyfoundation.ca/vimy2017/

Did You Know?

-The Canadian $20 polymer bill features an image of the Vimy Ridge Memorial in France.
-As the centennial of Vimy Ridge approaches, the Vimy Foundation will play a leading role in building a state of the are Education Centre to be unveiled in France on April 9, 2017.
-The Vimy Foundation is encouraging all Canadians to refer to the $20 bill as the “Vimy” in time for the centennial in 2017 and to “Give a Vimy for Vimy” to help raise awareness and matching funds for the new Education Centre.

Until next time,

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