Bev’s Briefing-e-newsletter

MPs Home from Ottawa

Parliament has adjourned, and I am back in Lambton-Kent-Middlesex to focus on issues that are most important right at home. Legislatively, this has been the most productive Parliament in two decades; 119 government bills are expected to receive Royal Assent. Our Conservative government has delivered significant federal tax relief to the lowest level in 50 years for families, seniors, small businesses, farmers and working Canadians, while making significant improvements to benefits for our veterans.
As I sat in Parliament every day and listened to debates, I can say with certainty that PM Harper is the only leader that will keep the priorities of remaining fiscally responsible, keeping taxes low, keeping balanced budgets, helping businesses create jobs, and focusing on the value of our Veterans, Canadian Armed Forces, families and seniors. He is also the only leader who is determined to provide security to our country against any acts of terrorism.

Saying Goodbye to Some Good Friends

Two MPs from our region have decided not to seek re-election this year, and I’d like to thank them for their incredible service to our country and for their friendship. Sarnia-Lambton MP Pat Davidson and Elgin-Middlesex-London MP Joe Preston have made the difficult decision to step away from public life. Pat has been representing her riding since 2006 and Joe, since 2004. I wish them both the very best and thank them for their many sacrifices, their hard work and their extreme dedication to this great country of ours.

Proud to be Canadian, and Proving It!

My 2nd annual Proud to be Canadian Facebook photo contest is in full swing! If you are from Lambton-Kent-Middlesex and you have a picture showing your Canadian pride, send it to [email protected] and you could win a truly Canadian prize. The picture can be from this year or past years. Contest entries are being accepted until midnight, July 2nd. For more information and contest rules, head to /2nd-annual-photo-contest/ Happy Canada Day everyone!

Local Talent to be Featured at the Pan Am Games

The Pan Am Games run in Toronto from July 10-26th. Some individuals from Lambton-Kent-Middlesex are involved in the Games. Emma White from Watford and Olivia Kustermans from just outside Strathroy will be taking part in the opening ceremonies. Also, Olympian Melanie McCann, originally from Mount Carmel will be competing in the Pan Am Games in the Modern Pentathlon which involves 5 sports: fencing, swimming, cross country running, equestrian jumping, and pistol shooting. We wish each one of these young participants every success and enjoyment at the games!

Summer Tours of Parliament

Ottawa is a very popular place for tourists in the summer months, and I wanted to let everyone know about a great opportunity to explore the Parliament buildings. Visitors can take guided tours of the Centre Block, East Block and the Library of Parliament; best of all, it’s free. Our Parliament buildings belong to all Canadians, and they are truly extraordinary and worth visiting. Tickets for all guided tours, including visits to the Peace Tower and the Memorial Chamber are available 7 days a week, year-round at 90 Wellington Street in Ottawa.
For more information, visit http://www.parl.gc.ca/Visitors/index-e.html or call 613-996-0896.

Did You Know?

-We have increased our transfer of dollars to Ontario for health care by 6% per year since 2006 .

-We have increased the total transfer of dollars to Ontario by 88% since 2006 to a current 20.4 billion per year.

-Canada is recognized once again by the World Economic Forum as having the safest and soundest banking system in the world.

Until next time,

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