January 22, 2010

Government Happenings
All Canadians are deeply concerned about the impact of the recent earthquake in Haiti. Canada was one of the first countries on the ground after the earthquake. Since then we have been working around the clock to assess the situation and do whatever we can to help the Haitian people.

For more information on how to donate to this cause, updates and new developments in Haiti, visit http://www.acdi-cida.gc.ca/acdi-cida/ACDI-CIDA.nsf/eng/ANN-114115719-MVV  & http://www.international.gc.ca/humanitarian-humanitaire/earthquake_seisme_haiti.aspx?lang=eng&menu_id=19&menu=R
 
On January 19th, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced changes to the Ministry in preparation for a Speech from the Throne and the implementation of Phase II of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. In keeping with the Cabinet’s economic focus, the Prime Minister announced that key economic portfolios would remain with veteran Cabinet ministers. For more information visit: http://www.joeprestonmp.ca/EN/government_news_(central)/prime_minister_stephen_harper_announces_changes_to_the_ministry/

On March 3rd, the second phase of Canada’s Economic Action Plan will be announced with a throne speech followed by the federal budget on March 4th.  For information, visit: http://www.joeprestonmp.ca/EN/government_news_(central)/next_phase_of_economic_action_plan_begins_with_throne_speech,_budget_in_early_march/


Local News
The Southwestern Ontario Caucus met with Minister Jim Flaherty on Friday, January 15, 2010. The meeting focused on the pre-budget priorities for Canada's Economic Action Plan Phase II. For more information, visit: http://www.joeprestonmp.ca/EN/3634/104272

MP Joe Preston, MPP Steve Peters and Mayor of Southwold, Jim McIntyre traveled to Dearborn, Michigan to meet with Ford officials to hear the automaker’s rationale regarding the closing of the St. Thomas Ford Assembly Plant. Together, they presented many arguments to Ford officials to reconsider their decision. For more details, visit www.joeprestonmp.ca

Citizen Recognition
Over the past 5 months, Chris Lass, Co-Op Student from St. Joseph’s High School worked, participated and entertained the staff and constituents of Elgin-Middlesex-London.  Throughout his learning experience, Chris assisted staff with research, event coordinating, and creating certificates for special anniversaries and birthdays for constituents. Chris, best wishes to you on your future endeveours. Your positive attitude and ability to find humour in the most difficult of situations will prove to be an asset as you move forward.

Events
On February 16th, Joe on the Road returns for 2010. Joe will be available to constituents at the West Elgin Community Health Centre in West Lorne from 4-7PM. Constituents can receive assistance with applications for passports, OAS, CPP and other federal programs at the centre along with an opportunity to bring forward ideas for the 2010 federal budget. Future “JOTR” (Joe on the Road) events have been scheduled for Dorchester and Port Burwell.

Over the next 4 weeks, Joe will be participating and hosting 6 pre-budget consultation meetings. Meetings throughout the riding will be held including an agricultural roundtable and municipal leader’s roundtable. Information from the meetings will be gathered and directed to the Minister of Finance. If you wish to forward your ideas, please email joe@joeprestonmp.ca Please focus on the following questions: 

1. Are there measures in the Economic Action Plan that should be revised? Measures that should be extended? Measures that should be ended prior to their planned retirement date? Are there areas where funding should be shifted?
2. Our government has outlines a plan to eliminate the deficit as the economy stabilizes, without drastic spending cuts or increases to taxes.  In what areas should we focus spending growth restraint?

Meetings and Delegations
The past several weeks of 2010 have been extremely eventful.  Today, Joe has returned to Ottawa for a federal caucus meeting. Joe has also taken part in many meetings with constituents to discuss the Community Adjustment Fund Applications that were due January 18th. He attended the annual LOAF (London, Ontario Agri-Foods) meeting, and has had several meetings with constituents to discuss federal issues.