Congratulations Grads!

This is an exciting time of year for many students and their families as the school year winds down and graduations take place across Lambton-Kent-Middlesex. I am pleased each year to prepare graduation certificates for every student graduating from either Grade 8 or Grade 12 across our riding. I wish them every success as they head to high school, post-secondary education or on whichever path they choose for this special time in their lives.

Barriers to Trade

As Chair of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food, we’ve been studying, and have put forward a report to the House of Commons, on the effects of the internal trade barriers between provinces and territories. They are significant. We are encouraged to see provincial and territorial ministers coming together next week along with the federal government as they start to work on the reduction or elimination of many of these trade barriers within our own country.

FIFA Women’s World Cup

The best soccer players in the world are gathered in Canada for the FIFA Women’s World Cup. They’re playing in six major Canadian cities, including Ottawa. With an estimated 1.5 million spectators expected to watch the matches being played over the next few weeks, this event is a huge boost for Canadian tourism. Team Canada consists of some incredible athletes and we wish them continued success in the tournament.

Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards

Is there a volunteer in your community who stands out from the rest? Someone who has had a profound impact on the community and really does make a difference every day? Now is your chance to recognize their accomplishments by nominating them for a Prime Minister’s Volunteer Award. Submissions are being accepted until June 30, 2015. You can find out more at www.pm.gc.ca/awards.

Did You Know?

-That our Conservative government has cut taxes 160 times, saving the average Canadian family of four $3400 a year. And there is more to come. See my website www.bevshipley.ca for more information on the changes to the Universal Child Care Benefit and income splitting.

-Liberal leader Justin Trudeau plans a new payroll tax on top of Kathleen Wynne’s payroll tax. If you make $60,000 a year, the Trudeau tax will take an additional $1000 out of your pay cheque. If you make $30,000 a year, your pay cheque will be $504 lighter.

-Enrollment in co-op programs for University students has risen 25% from 2006 to 2013.

Until next time,

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