It has been a privilege to represent the great riding of Elgin-Middlesex-London for the past five (5) years.  Today, I am launching The Preston Post. This new communication tool will allow me to forward Local News, Events, Government Happenings, Citizen Recognition, Announcements and Meetings and Delegations to you.

Thanks for reading!

Local News
On June 26th, municipalities and organizations throughout our community received funding through the RInC program.  The federal government in conjunction with the provincial government directed funding aimed at sport and recreational infrastructure. The full press release is at http://www.joeprestonmp.ca/EN/3634/92332

Congratulations to the St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce for setting the new Canadian Record for the largest Business after 5 attendance. Over 1403 persons entered the gates at Canandale and were counted the evening of July 15th.

Events
On July 12th, I traveled to Guyana representing the Commonwealth Parliamentary Committee. Discussions among Members of Parliament from Caribbean countries included the economy, environment and parliamentary process. I also had discussions with Canada’s High Commissioner concerning Canada’s role in the region.

Arts and Cookery Bank Fundraiser~ The Bank hosted a fundraising dinner and I was honoured to be the “chef” for the evening.  Thanks to all who participated.

Joe on the Road~ Join us Tuesday, August 4th at the Municipality of Dutton-Dunwich Municipal Building from 4-7PM to meet and discuss federal issues.  Open to the public and no appointments necessary.

3rd Annual Appreciation BBQ~ Join my staff and I as we serve up hotdogs and refreshments.  The BBQ will be held at Pinafore Park in St. Thomas from 4:30PM-7:00PM at the East Pavilion. Free of charge.

Government Happenings
A national campaign has been launched to encourage Canadians to take advantage of the Home Renovation Tax Credit contained in Canada’s Economic Action Plan. More details on this program are available at http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/hrtc/

Canada celebrated the 3rd anniversary of the Universal Child Care Benefit this month. The UCCB provides families with $100 a month for every child under the age of six. Since the launch of the UCCB three years ago, the Government of Canada has provided approximately $7.5 billion in direct funding to parents through the benefit. Currently, 1.5 million families receive the UCCB.

On July 14th, The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship & Immigration announced that Mexican and Czech nationals are required a visa to enter Canada. Details on these changes can be found at:  http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/releases/2009/2009-07-13.asp

Citizen Recognition
Mrs. Pat Titchner has volunteered with the Canada Revenue Agency for over 13 years.  Her time includes organizing free Tax Clinics throughout St. Thomas during the tax season, training volunteers, personally preparing returns and helping low-income families and seniors. I would like to salute Pat for all of her time and commitment and enriching our community.

Meetings and Delegations
Throughout the summer, I have had the opportunity to meet with many groups throughout the riding and South-western Ontario including the Grains and Oilseeds Farmers, Paul Collins (CEO of the St. Thomas- Elgin General Hospital), Scienctech, Ford/ CAW/ MPP Steve Peters & Local Mayors and many other organizations. I will be attending the 2009 Ontario Municipal Association meeting in Ottawa this August and look forward to meeting with all our local officials.

Once again, thank you for reading!
Have a safe and happy summer!