Local News
Sand Plains Announcements
The Government of Canada is helping create jobs and increase the profile of Elgin County by extending the tourist season.  A contribution of more than $250,000 was announced today by Member of Parliament for Elgin-Middlesex-London Joe Preston, to enable the Elgin County Railway Museum to keep its doors open to tourists all year round.
“Tourism is one of the best ways we can create jobs and boost the local economy,” said MP Preston. “Our Government is committed to working together to help communities like this one stay strong and competitive by attracting visitors from all around the region.”
http://www.joeprestonmp.ca/EN/3634/117231
 
The Government of Canada is investing in a business expansion that will drive the economy, create jobs and make this facility the largest supplier of textiles in Ontario for the automotive packaging sector. The repayable investment of $125,000 was announced today by Member of Parliament Joe Preston (Elgin-Middlesex-London) on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. 30 jobs were created through this investment.
http://www.joeprestonmp.ca/EN/3634/117535
 
The Government of Canada is helping expand a local tree farm, creating jobs in Elgin County. The investment of up to $30,000 was announced today by Member of Parliament Joe Preston (Elgin-Middlesex-London) on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz.
“Small businesses, like Seven Sister’s Tree Farm, keep our rural communities strong and prosperous,” said MP Preston. “I’m pleased to be part of a Government that recognizes the importance of rural communities and invests in our businesses, helping to attract new customers and create more local jobs.”
http://www.joeprestonmp.ca/EN/3634/117537
 
Government Happenings
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today officially opened the new cargo terminal at London International Airport, which will create new jobs and provide lasting infrastructure for the region’s long-term growth.  
“This new cargo terminal will help the City become a leading transportation hub, and will be critical to London’s future as a major North American and international gateway,” Prime Minister Harper said.  “This project is a perfect example of how a well-timed investment can create construction jobs in the short-term while providing lasting infrastructure for longer-term prosperity and growth.” For more information visit:
http://www.joeprestonmp.ca/EN/government_news_(central)/canada’s_economic_action_plan_-_prime_minister_stephen_harper_opens_london_airport’s_cargo_terminal/

The Government of Canada today announced that regulations requiring an average renewable fuel content of five per cent in gasoline have been finalized and will come into effect starting December 15, 2010."Today we are fulfilling the Government's commitment to require five percent renewable fuel content in gasoline," said the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of the Environment. "Regulating renewable fuel content in gasoline is just one of several steps the Government is taking to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector, which account for about a quarter of greenhouse gas emissions."
Preston stated, “this is great news for IGPC located right here in Aylmer and for our local corn produceres.” For more information, visit: http://www.ec.gc.ca/default.asp?lang=En&n=714D9AAE-1&news=2D84D5D6-F152-4F5F-A4B9-BE973BE6821B
 
Events
Joe was honoured to host Prime Minister Stephen Harper at Cedarmere Woods on Thursday, September 2nd.  Over 1100 people attended the event in south London. Prior to the BBQ, Joe chaired the Southwestern Ontario Caucus where the Members discussed regional issues with the Prime Minster and Members of Cabinet.

Over 450 constituents joined Joe and staff at the annual constituency BBQ in St. Thomas. An additional 150 people joined Joe in Dorchester. At the events, Joe discussed private pensions with former Nortel employees.

Joe also attended the annual Watermelon Fest in Straffordville, the opening of the Shedden Fair, and the grand opening of Malahide Community Place. Joe met with many individual constituents to discuss federal programs.
 
Citizen Recognition
On Thursday, September 2nd, David and Roma-Lynn Gillis opened their farm to welcome the Prime Minister to the community. For 4 days, organizers and volunteers worked at the farm setting up tents, lining the parking lots, and preparing for the 1000 attendees.  David and Roma-Lynn, THANK YOU so much for your hospitality. It would not have been possible to pull the event off without your wavering cooperation.