Local News
Members of council representing the Municipality of Central Elgin and Township of Southwold joined together to mark the start of the renovations to the Port Stanley Arena. The project was announced as part of RINc (Recreational Infrastructure) totaling $1.5million. For more information: http://www.joeprestonmp.ca/EN/3634/109684

“Happy Campers!” Joe Preston, MP was on site with Port Burwell Park Officials and MPP Executive Assistant Anita Ratkovic-Baric to announce a joint project totaling $600,000.  The project being funded is replacement of the comfort station in the park's 91-site Alzora Loop.  For more details on this project: http://www.joeprestonmp.ca/EN/3634/109207

In London, Joe Preston joined representatives for the provincial government and the City of London at the groundbreaking ceremony of a landscaping project along Veterans Memorial Parkway to commemorate Canadian Veterans. “We are reminded of our eternal gratitude for the contributions made by the men and women who have served our country and this monument will be a lasting tribute.” More details of the project: http://www.joeprestonmp.ca/EN/3634/109771

Joe Preston announced that The Government of Canada is helping to stimulate economic growth in Elgin County by investing in the expansion of a local greenhouse and garden business centre. Family Flowers Inc. will receive an $82,000 loan to increase their perennial production and create jobs. For more information on this announcement: http://www.joeprestonmp.ca/EN/3634/109769
Photos: http://www.joeprestonmp.ca/EN/3649/109775

Government Happenings
Prime Minister Stephen Harper was in London to welcomed Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace’s decision to create jobs and invest in Canada by opening a new manufacturing facility in London, Ontario. “Our Government’s number one priority is jobs and growth,” said Prime Minister Harper.  “Kongsberg will bring both to London.  In particular, this company brings the kind of knowledge-intensive jobs on which the highly-developed economy of the future will be based.”
For information: http://www.joeprestonmp.ca/EN/3634/109313

Joe Preston announced the launch of the Small Business Internship Program (SBIP) for 2010 in Ontario.  SBIP helps small and medium-sized enterprises across Canada hire approximately 400 student interns annually to help with information and communication technology (ICT) projects, improving their productivity and competitiveness. For more information: http://www.joeprestonmp.ca/EN/3634/109767

The Prime Minister, alongside Minister Tony Clement hosted a roundtable in London on Thursday, March 25th  Representing the riding of Elgin-Middlesex-London, was Doug Tarry Jr. of Doug Tarry Homes Limited and Rob Flack of Masterfeeds.  http://www.joeprestonmp.ca/EN/government_news_(central)/prime_minister_stephen_harper_hosts_roundtable_on_canada’s_economic_action_plan/

The Government of Canada launched online consultations and a series of cross-country roundtable discussions, speaking engagements and town hall meetings to gather input from Canadians on ensuring the ongoing strength of Canada’s retirement income system. The consultations will inform discussions at the next meeting of federal, provincial and territorial Ministers of Finance in May, where the retirement income system will be a key agenda item. More information: http://www.fin.gc.ca/n10/10-022-eng.asp

This week our Government announced that we would be seeking Parliamentary approval to expand the House of Commons by additional seats for representatives from British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario. This would allow each MP to represent the same number of Canadians as closely as possible~ approximately 108,000. Currently, E-M-L is 111,000 while Prince Edward Island is represented by 4 members of Parliament with a combined population of 141,000.

Citizen Recognition
On Saturday, March 27th, our community lost an outstanding leader, the Mayor of Central Elgin, Mrs. Sylvia Hofhuis. Sylvia was a dear friend who was passionate, determined, but most of all a beautiful person.
As written by Sylvia herself in 2005, “Thank you for sharing your time on earth with us. Sylvia, you will be missed!

Events
The St. Thomas and District Chamber of Commerce hosted a reception with Dr. Amit Chakma, President of the University of Western Ontario. Joe participated in the event along with many members of local councils and community foundations. Photos: http://www.joeprestonmp.ca/EN/3649/109777

The Port Stanley Lions Club celebrated their 50th anniversary on Saturday, March 20th. Congratulations and best wishes for continued success. Service clubs do so much in our communities~ where would we be without them?

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