June 2009 Parliamentary Repot

Parliamentary Report - June, 2009 
 

 

 

ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE

 

On Committee, since December, I've studied several topics including Bill C-16 which makes changes to Canada's environmental enforcement, including establishing minimum penalties and increasing maximum penalties for environmental offences.  The Minister of the Environment asked me to shepherd this legislation through Committee and assist at Senate Committee.  It has now received Royal Assent.

I am also studying the Species at Risk Act, Bill C-311, and Oil Sands and Water Resources.  We travelled to the Oil Sands communities in May and heard testimony from several stakeholders.

 

ALLIED VETERANS

During the 2008 election the Conservatives promised to reinstate benefits for allied veterans.  I pursued this promise with the Minister of Veterans Affairs and the Prime Minister and my efforts were rewarded when Bill C-33 was introduced.  This Bill has already received Royal Assent.  I suggested securing the agreement of all parties to fast track it, and this was done. 

 

ELECTION AVERTED - FOR NOW

The Liberals reversed themselves on several issues and withdrew their threat of an unnecessary summer election.  Instead, they will support our Economic Action Plan.

The Prime Minister offered to study proposals for Employment Insurance reform that could:

(a)          allow self-employed Canadians to participate in the Employment Insurance system; and

(b)          improve eligibility requirements in order to ensure regional fairness.

The working group will consist of three appointees of the Prime Minister and three appointees of the Leader of the Opposition.  They will report to Parliament in September.

This was a magnificent example of the Prime Minister's willingness to cooperate with the Opposition to make Parliament work.

 

 

 

STIMULUS SPENDING

 

·         80% of these investments have been approved for municipalities to implement.  It is important to remember that this is a two year plan and we will be rolling out specific projects over the coming months to ensure every region receives maximum benefits

 

·         On June 5, I was able to announce stimulus funding in the amount of $25,591,268. for 22 local projects to improve municipal buildings, parks, sewer and watermain rehabilitation, wastewater treatment facilities and local roads infrastructure in our community.  With negotiated Provincial and municipal contributions this will pump $77 million into our local economy.

 

·         On June 15, I accompanied Minister Gary Goodyear as he announced improvements to Highway 8 including the addition of new lanes, twinning of the Grand River bridge, highway resurfacing, and construction of a bus bypass from Grand River to Sportsworld. The project's total estimated cost is $70 million.  These improvements will certainly make the commute from Kitchener Centre to the 401 and beyond much more convenient.

 

Recently, every home in our riding received a brochure asking Kitchener Centre residents to join the "Proud to be Canadian Campaign" by cutting out and displaying the flag in a window, complete the attached coupon and mail it back.  We have received a good response but can always use more. 

 

I wish everyone a Happy Canada Day and a safe summer season.  I hope to see many of you during the next couple of months.