August 2011 Parliamentary Report
ECOENERGY RETROFIT PROGRAM EXTENDED
This program was very popular in Kitchener Centre and I lobbied very hard for its extension. I was very gratified when this was put into our election platform and then confirmed in July. With this program, we are not only helping Canadians save money but also creating thousands of jobs and protecting our environment. This is a win, win, win program.
From June 6, 2011, until March 31, 2012, homeowners may be eligible to receive reimbursements of up to $5,000 to make their homes more energy-efficient. The program could help up to 250,000 Canadian homeowners improve their homes’ energy efficiency and generate as much as $4 billion in economic activity across Canada.
For more information on this program visit: http://www.ecoaction.gc.ca/ecoenergy-ecoenergie/retrofithomes-renovationmaisons-eng.cfm or call 1-800-OCanada.
AROUND THE RIDING
So far it has been a busy and enjoyable summer. I attended Canada Day festivities on July 1st and on July 2nd left to attend important meetings of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. For a variety of reasons, Canada has vital interests in NATO so I have chosen to include NATO as a focus of my work as a Parliamentarian.
I had the opportunity to attend the MT Space IMPACT 11 – Celebrating Growth event where I was honoured to announce a contribution of $48,000 to IMPACT 11. This unique 10-day program will welcome local, national and international artists to our community from September 22 to October 1, 2011. The ambitious programming will include theatrical performances, micro-symposium, master classes, feedback session and a playwriting contest.
I participated in the official opening of 17 renovated rooming house units at Kaljas Homes on Frederick Street. Thanks to this project, people with special needs or who may be at risk of homelessness will have access to affordable room and board. These are among the most troubled and vulnerable people in Waterloo Region, and they need places like Kaljas Homes for shelter and stability as they work to get their lives back on track. For more than 50 years, people living in difficult circumstances were able to count on Anna Kaljas, who as you know was often referred to as Kitchener’s Mother Teresa. The Government of Canada contributed over $245,000 towards the renovations, through CMHC’s Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program – Rooming Houses.
There have been four Ministers visit this area since the House of Commons rose for the summer. The Hon. Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development announced a call for the Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards. The Hon. James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage was here to announce almost $2 million for 51 arts and culture projects in southwestern Ontario. The Hon. Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport Canada, announced funding at the Region of Waterloo Airport and the Honourable Maxime Bernier participated in a roundtable on Waterloo Region’s hi-tech small business sector.
Have a happy and safe summer.