Local News
On Friday, November 20, 2009, Joe Preston, MP along with Steve Peters, MPP celebrated the construction of 2 new affordable housing units in St. Thomas.  The developments are supported by funding available through the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program. For more details: http://www.joeprestonmp.ca/EN/3634/101663
Reminder~ The deadline for applications for the 2009-2010 Southern Ontario Development Program is December 1, 2009.  For more details on this program: http://southernontario.gc.ca/eic/site/723.nsf/eng/00159.html


Events
On Friday, November 20, 2009, the United Way hosted their annual Fundraising Roast. Sean Avram, Dean Kitts, Bob Hammersley, Terry Carroll, Jeff Wood, Dan Reith and MPP Steve Peters shared the stage as they roasted their good friend, business partner and colleague Joe Preston. For more information on United Way fundraising efforts, visit http://www.stthomasunitedway.ca/
 
You can catch Joe on Rogers Cable this week on Politically Speaking.  Joe had the opportunity to speak candidly with Dan Reith on local, regional and national issues including the Port Stanley Harbour Divestiture, Self-Employment Benefits and the 2010 International Plowing Match.
 

Government Happenings
A national round table was hosted in Ottawa to discuss seniors’ issues with the Honourable Diane Finley and the Honourable Marjory LeBreton.  Discussions focused on volunteering and positive & active aging.  For more information on the round table along with new initiatives announced in Canada’s Economic Action Plan visit: http://news.gc.ca/web/article-eng.do?nid=498439
 
The Public Health Agency of Canada has issued a Malaria warning to travellers planning to go to Belize, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Jamaica and Mexico. For more details, visit: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/tmp-pmv/2009/mal-091124-eng.php

A recall notice has been issued on Stork Craft cribs.  For more details on this recall visit: http://cpsr-rspc.hc-sc.gc.ca/PR-RP/recall-retrait-eng.jsp?re_id=888
 

Citizen Recognition
Not only will there be athletes and volunteers representing the City of St. Thomas at the 2010 Winter Olympics, but J.R. Robertson Metal Service will also be on-site.
James Robertson, owner of the company, has created a chamber that will be used by the RCMP officers at the games.  Congratulations to J.R. Robertson for outstanding entrepreneurship and creativity.
 
Meetings and Delegations
Joe has been actively involved in many meetings over the past 2 weeks, discussing business plans with SODP applicants in the riding.  Meetings in Ottawa included Minister Gary Goodyear, South West Caucus, National Agricultural Committee meeting and the Standing Committee on Procedure and House affairs.
Joe also participated in the St. Thomas Optimist Santa Claus Parade with over 15, 000 people in attendance.