As the Member of Parliament, I have had the chance to see first hand the challenges that many individuals and families in our community have faced in 2009.  At the three levels of government, we have faced these challenges together with federal, provincial and municipal counterparts coming together in an unprecedented show of unity with the well being of our communities as our ultimate goal.
I hope that you have found the Preston Post a useful resource.  It allows me to communicate local and federal initiatives keeping constituents informed.
This is the final issue for 2009 filled with 3 weeks of exciting events and announcements.
Enjoy and thank you for reading!
 
Events
Yesterday, in the City of St. Thomas, one of the most successful, energetic and exciting day was had. St. Thomas welcomed the Olympic Torch!  Joe Preston, MP along with local officials gathered on stage as Jim Waite, Canada’s Mens Olympic Curling Coach entered the grounds of the CASO stage with thousands of onlookers.  For photos and additional information: http://www.joeprestonmp.ca/EN/3634/103493

The Honourable John Baird, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Community came to London on Monday, December 21st to announce funding to six (6) London Not-For-Profit Agencies. The total investment for these six projects is over $31 million, with the Governments of Canada and Ontario each providing almost $21 million.  The Governments of Canada and Ontario are each providing one-third of the total project costs, while the partners will cover the last third. For photos and additional information: http://www.joeprestonmp.ca/EN/3634/103436

Local News
On behalf of the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Joe Preston announced the second intake of the Community Adjustment Fund.  FedDev Ontario launched the second intake for applications under the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF) in southern Ontario, with $127.8 million available for projects in communities with populations of less than 250,000 residents. Applications are currently being accepted until 3 p.m. EST on January 18, 2010 for projects submitted by SMEs, municipalities, not-for-profits, Aboriginal organizations, colleges and universities. For additional information and application: http://southernontario.gc.ca/eic/site/723.nsf/eng/00192.html

On Friday, December 18th, along with MPP Steve Peters, Joe Preston announced an investment in partnership with two community organizations that will improve their existing facilities.  This total investment of $2,410,062 will help to create local jobs in the City of St. Thomas and the Municipality of West Elgin and supports an important heritage landmark and a facility serving seniors respectively. Funding was announced for the North America Railway Hall of Fame in St. Thomas, and West Lorne Heritage Homes Incorporated in West Elgin. For additional information and photos: http://www.joeprestonmp.ca/EN/3634/103413

Government Happenings
As Prime Minister Stephen Harper made several visits around the world including China, Singapore and Hong Kong, several new agreements and announcements were made.

On Friday, December 4th, on behalf of The Honourable Geri Ritz, Joe announced support for the Agri-Tech Commercialization Centre.  The centre will receive an $11,000,000 investment through the Growing Forward program. For more details: http://www.joeprestonmp.ca/EN/3634/102675

Prime Minister Harper announced that Toronto will host the G20 Summit on June 26 and June 27, 2010.  http://www.pm.gc.ca/eng/media.asp?id=3026

Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced that Canada has regained full access for Canadian beef to the key export market of Hong Kong following a meeting with Donald Tsang, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. This will give our farmers the opportunity to sell to more customers in the international market. For more information: http://www.pm.gc.ca/eng/media.asp?category=1&id=3018

Citizen Recognition
Throughout 2009, I have had the privilege to work with 2 outstanding county Wardens. Warden Graham Warwick represented the County of Elgin, while Warden Jim Maudsley represented the County of Middlesex.  2009 has been an amazing year with programs such as Building Canada, Infrastructure Stimulus Funding and the RInC.  Throughout this challenging year,  Graham and Jim showed leadership, determination and dedication and we were able to bring outstanding announcements to this region. Thank you for you solid co-operation.
My best wishes to the 2010 wardens, Warden Bonnie Vowel from the County of Elgin, and Warden Joanne Vanderheyden from the County of Middlesex.

Non Governmental Events
Please find the following links.  Although they are truly not government related, these links will provide enjoyment for you and your family at Christmas.
http://www.claus.com/naughtyornice/nn_hmpg2.php
http://www.noradsanta.org/

Meetings and Delegations
As the year comes to an end, the past weeks have been extremely busy with committee meetings and discussions with many ministers regarding programs and upcoming announcements for the area.
Joe had the opportunity to speak to two (2) careers classes at Central Elgin Collegiate, meet with several businesses in the community on project applications and was updated by Central Elgin’s Council on the Harbour Divestiture.
Joe has returned to the riding for the remainder of 2009 and scheduled to return to Parliament January 25, 2010.