Local News
On April 22, Central Elgin Council voted unanimously to accept an offer from Transport Canada that gives control of Port Stanley Harbour to the community. Transport Canada will also give the municipality a lump sum of money sufficient to cover harbour dredging and maintenance costs for 35 years.
“This is great news! The jewel of the North Shore of Lake Erie is finally an asset of the municipality in which it lies.  Local citizens are always better stewards of the property in which they live and enjoy” said Joe Preston.
“With the Port under our control, we possess a quality we never had before – certainty; certainty when the harbour will be dredged, certainty what the harbour area will look like, and certainty for new and existing businesses that their investments will be supported through a reinvigorated port,” said Mayor Tom Marks.

On Friday, April 23rd, Joe Preston joined members of the Municipality of Thames Centre to roll out the first announcement for Elgin-Middlesex-London under the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF) Intake 2. The Municipality will receive an investment of more than $2.9million for the Thorndale Business Park and Employment Lands Infrastructure Project. Additional announcements will be made in the upcoming weeks.
 
The Minister of Finance, the Honourable Jim Flaherty joined MP Joe Preston, MP Ed Holder and key stakeholders, experts and representatives in London to discuss Canada’s Private Pensions. Roundtables are being held in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Winnipeg, Manitoba.
 
Government Happenings
Prime Minister Stephen Harper reaffirmed the Government of Canada's support for victims of crime at the opening of the fifth annual National Victims of Crime Awareness Week symposium. In 2007, the Government of Canada created the Office of the Federal Ombudsman of Victims of Crime to serve as an independent resource for victims in Canada.  It also committed to respond to the needs of victims of crime more effectively.  This year’s Speech from the Throne and Budget 2010 continue this support for victims of crime. http://www.pm.gc.ca/eng/media.asp?id=3297
 
Government of Canada Takes Action to Ensure Fairness at the Gas Pumps. The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, announced that the Government of Canada has taken measures to protect Canadian consumers from inaccurate measurement when purchasing gasoline or other measured goods. The proposed Fairness at the Pumps Act will make retailers more accountable for the accuracy of their pumps and other measuring devices. http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/ic1.nsf/eng/05475.html
 
Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz announced historic agricultural partnerships between Canada and China. Canadian pulse producers led the way with initiatives that will increase the value of Canadian pulse exports to China to an estimated total of $500 million. Minister Ritz made the announcement following an agricultural trade mission to Beijing and Inner Mongolia where he and Canadian farm leaders worked together to strengthen export opportunities for Canadian pulses, canola, beef, grain, and hogs.
http://www.agr.gc.ca/cb/index_e.php?s1=n&s2=2010&page=n100415
 
Citizen Recognition
Corey DeVries, a Grade 12 student at Parkside Collegiate Institute was honoured Thursday, April 22nd at the Annual McTavish Awards recognizing outstanding individuals in the area Secondary Schools, who have faced obstacles in their path and have overcome these challenges. Currently Corey is working in the constituency office as a Co-Op Student. Congratulations Corey on this outstanding achievement and best wishes for continued success.
 
Events
Joe has participated in many different events and receptions over the past 2 weeks including the MS Walk, an announcement at the Elgin Business Resource Centre, the Law Enforcement Caucus, The Canadian Police Association Reception and the Dairy Farmers of Ontario Reception. On behalf the office, members of my staff have participated in local events including the Victim Services Breakfast and Elgin- St. Thomas Public Health Workshop.