September 2012 Parliamentary Report

ENABLING ACCESSIBILITY

 

Recently, the federal government launched the Enabling Accessibility Fund 2012 call for proposals for small projects. Through the Enabling Accessibility Fund, the government hopes to improve access to facilities, activities and services to enable all Canadians to participate more fully in society. Eligible organizations can submit applications until October 5, 2012 and can receive up to $50,000 per project. In line with our top priority of job creation and economic growth, the Enabling Accessibility Fund will also stimulate local economies through the jobs created in construction and renovation.

 

The call will remain open until October 5, 2012. Applicants will find all information about the application process on the Fund’s webpage at www.hrsdc.gc.ca/disability.

 

PRO-TRADE PLAN IN ACTION

In 2007, the government launched the Global Commerce Strategy to position Canada for long-term prosperity. It identified 13 priority markets around the world where opportunities for Canadian businesses and interests had the greatest potential for success. This led to five years of Canadian leadership on the world stage in support of open trade, job creation, economic growth and prosperity for Canadians.

Economic Action Plan 2012 renewed commitment to refresh the GCS following consultations with Canada’s key trade and investment stakeholders, including Canada’s business community, with a particular emphasis on the very critical community of small and medium-sized enterprises. Launched on August 14, 2012, in Halifax, the consultations are taking place in seven other communities across the country (Montréal, Toronto, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Calgary, Vancouver and Ottawa).

Under the current GCS, the government has concluded new free trade agreements with nine countries; begun deepening trade and investment ties with key markets; concluded or brought into force new foreign investment promotion and protection agreements with 11 countries; and opened new trade offices in the fast-growing priority markets of Brazil, China and India.

The next phase of the GCS will be announced in 2013.

SITTINGS RESUME

Parliament will resume September 17, 2012 with a full calendar of events.  I am looking forward to resuming my committee work and continuing to work with my caucus colleagues to implement Economic Action Plan 2012. 

 

MOTION 312

I'm inspired by the overwhelming compassion I've received from Canadians over the past seven months since tabling my Motion in February.  In September, Motion 312 will see its final hour of debate in the House of Commons.  Although this has been a difficult time for my family and myself after the recent passing of my mother I will endeavour to put my best foot forward over the next few weeks leading up to the debate and vote.

The second/final hour of debate for Motion 312 is currently scheduled for Friday, September 21st, at 1:30 p.m. EST followed by a final vote to be held on Wednesday, September 26th, 2012.  Both the second hour of debate and the vote can be viewed on your local CPAC television channel or by visiting www.cpac.ca for a live podcast. 

I hope you are all enjoying the remainder of summer!