Local News
The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of FedDev Ontario, joined Joe Preston for the announcement of the Southern Ontario Development Agency Program (SODP) on February 8th in St. Thomas. 3 local businesses received funding totaling $653,765. Applications for second round of SODP will be announced in the future. For more details, visit: http://southernontario.gc.ca/eic/site/723.nsf/eng/00229.html

Throughout the past 6 weeks, Joe has joined many community leaders, business owners, seniors, farmers, and constituents for pre-budget consultations throughout Elgin-Middlesex-London.  Stops included the Otter Valley Chamber of Commerce, The Dorchester Business Association, West Elgin Community Health Centre and the University of Western Ontario. On March 4th, the Government will be tabling their 2010 budget and Joe would like to thank everyone for their input.
Canada Summer Jobs is a Government of Canada initiative that provides funding to help employers create summer job opportunities for students. It is designed to focus on local priorities, while achieving tangible results for both students and their communities. Canada Summer Jobs is focused on encouraging not-for-profit organizations, public sector employers and small businesses with 50 or fewer employees to create jobs that not only meet their needs, but also benefit students looking to gain work experience. http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/epb/yi/yep/programs/scpp.shtml
The application period for Canada Summer Jobs 2010 is from February 1 to February 26, 2010.

Government Happenings
It is finally here. On February 12th, Canada welcomed the world in style in Vancouver as they host the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. Together, we celebrate Canadian Athletes and Culture. These are Canada’s Games! For more details, visit:
http://www.canada2010.gc.ca/index-eng.cfm
 
 
On February 15th, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced that Canada will support the construction of a Temporary Government Administrative Base for the Haitian Government in Port-au-Prince.  The Prime Minister made the announcement following a meeting with René Préval, President of Haiti, and Jean-Max Bellerive, Prime Minister of Haiti. For more details on the Prime Minister’s visit and Canada’s support for Haiti, visit:
http://www.pm.gc.ca/eng/media.asp?id=3137
 
Citizen Recognition
It has been only 3 years, and already, Jeff and Jena Wood have been recognized nationally as the #1 Boston Pizza Franchise in Canada. Jeff and Jena opened the St. Thomas franchise in 2007 and were chosen through customer surveys and franchisee evaluations, the best in customer service and quality. Way to GO!
 
Events, Meetings and Delegations
Throughout the past 2 weeks, Joe has participated in many meetings with constituents. Joe participated in Bayham at the Otter Valley Chamber of Commerce business before breakfast. Joe also attended the 1st annual Soup’s On Event in support of the Heart and Stroke. Meetings were held with Elgin Military Museum, MPP Steve Peters and SWEA.
 
Important Note:
If you are unable to complete your income tax and benefit return by yourself and are unable to pay for assistance, Canada Revenue Agency’s Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) may be for you.
The CRA offers training to volunteers who can help you complete your income tax and benefit return if your income is low and your tax situation is simple.
Volunteers do not complete income tax and benefit returns for deceased persons, bankrupt individuals, or individuals who have capital gains or losses, employment expenses, or business or rental income and expenses.
Clinics available in Elgin-Middlesex-London