July 2010 Parliamentary Report

G8/G20

The G8/G20 results confirmed Canada's international leadership.  Prime Minister Harper fended off a

global bank tax, which would have fallen on the backs of consumers. Against U.S. resistance, he also led the charge for significant deficit reduction by 2013.  Canada also insisted that aid commitments

be backed up with accountability, not simply unrealistic empty promises. Ironically, accountability made some leaders less generous in their commitments. In the end, $5 billion of government funding was committed to global maternal and child health. I think $5 billion of firm commitments is far better than $10 billion of unaccountable empty promises.  The government is already at work encouraging private donors, like the Gates Foundation to match Government contributions with a $10 billion goal. 

 

Queen's Visit

Queen Elizabeth II has been greeted enthusiastically by Canadians everywhere. Her itinerary included Waterloo to visit the internationally acclaimed RIM facility. The Queen is recognized as someone who lives out ideals of service to community, civility, and dedicated effort to which we all aspire.  Our whole legal and constitutional framework depends upon the historical legitimacy of royal authority.  Although royal authority is now largely symbolic, it serves an essential purpose. If we removed the Monarchy from our laws and constitution, it would be difficult to find an alternative source of constitutional legitimacy.

 

Around the Riding

Our Over Fifties Expo was a great success, with useful information shared by twenty-four exhibitors and four speakers. Special thanks to the members of my Over Fifties Advisory Group for their dedication.  We expect to hold another Passport Clinic in September. Stay tuned for details.

 

Parliament has recessed for the summer, so I have more opportunities to meet with constituents to discuss concerns over the summer.  I enjoyed meeting constituents at our booth recently at the Multicultural Festival. Look for me at other Kitchener festivals through the summer, and we can have a chat. 

 

I recently attended the G.R.C.I. Commencement. It was a pleasure to see the smiling faces of so many fine young people stepping confidently across the stage and into the future.  The procession at St. Mary's Eritrean Orthodox Tewahdo Church in Kitchener, which I attended on June 27, 2010, offered a fascinating glimpse into the cultural practices of a vibrant new Canadian part of our community. 

If you have a special occasion you would like me to attend, please contact my office. It's my pleasure to accommodate as many as possible.

On-Going Projects

I am pursuing many issues on behalf of constituents over the summer.  These include the review of the Eco Energy for Home Retrofits program, Canada signing on to the "apostille" (foreign document authentication), review of the new KAIROS funding application, supporting Community Justice Initiative's Stride Circles Program, and completing input into the Justice Committee Organized Crime Study.  Please send me a note with your comment on any of these matters. 

Thank you for the honour of serving as your Member of Parliament.