Local News
The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario and the City of St. Thomas celebrated the official opening of six affordable rental units. The housing project is supported by $420,000 in funding through the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program. For more details and photos of the event, visit: http://www.joeprestonmp.ca/EN/3634/115945
 
The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and the Minister for Status of Women, and the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, announced that the Government of Canada has awarded a contract to General Dynamics Land Systems – Canada of London, Ontario, for the Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV) III Upgrade Project. For more details of this project coming to the area, visit: http://www.joeprestonmp.ca/EN/3634/115947
 
Government Happenings
Prime Minister Stephen Harper welcomed the appointment of David Johnston as the Governor General Designate.  Mr. Johnston, a respected lawyer and academic, will assume his new duties as Governor General on October 1.
“Mr. Johnston has a strong record of public service, a broad base of support and an impressive list of achievements,” said Prime Minister Harper.  “He has extensive legal expertise, a comprehensive understanding of government and a deep appreciation of the duties and tasks now before him.” For details, visit: http://www.pm.gc.ca/eng/media.asp?category=1&id=3536&featureId=6&pageId=26
 
The Honourable Peter Van Loan, Minister of International Trade, met with Ron Kirk, U.S. Trade Representative, to discuss greater economic cooperation between Canada and the United States. For details, visit: http://www.international.gc.ca/media_commerce/comm/news-communiques/2010/234.aspx?lang=eng
The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, and the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, reiterated Canada’s unwavering commitment to Haiti’s long-term reconstruction and reaffirmed the country’s solidarity with the Haitian people, six months after the January 12 earthquake. For more details, visit: http://www.international.gc.ca/media/aff/news-communiques/2010/219.aspx?lang=eng

Citizen Recognition
On Monday, July 19th, Mr. Ross Harrison passed away. Ross was a member of a number of organizations in the community including the Golden “K”, the Shrine Club, Meals on Wheels and St. David’s Lodge. He was a committed family man, a community leader but most of all, a wonderful mentor. In 2004, Ross was my campaign manager. Ross, your laugh and positive attitude will be missed. Thank you my friend for joining me on my journey.
 
Events
 Summer is a very busy time. There have been many community events throughout the riding. Joe participated in the Grand Opening of the Arts and Cookery Bank which included a Board Dinner on July 14th and an official ribbon cutting on the 17th. Joe was also active at the Seniors’ Picnic in St. Thomas; Business after 5 in St. Thomas; Cactus, Cattle and Cowboys in West Elgin; discussions with the Elgin Military Museum on Project Ojibwa; the unveiling of the Joe Thornton banner at The St. Thomas Timken Centre; tours of the YMCA and CASO Station both currently under renovation and many meetings with constituents in the riding.