Local News
Joe Preston, MP for Elgin-Middlesex-London, today announced that the Elgin Military Museum will receive $1,920,000 to obtain, transport, mount and operate HMCS Ojibwa as a naval monument and museum pending appropriate approvals.

“Residents in our community will benefit from projects like this one, which encourage economic revitalization,” said Preston. “We are working hard to support and invest in southern Ontario communities to help this region recover from the economic recession.” For more details, visit http://www.joeprestonmp.ca/EN/3634/113971

The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, and the City of St. Thomas celebrated the official opening of 12 affordable rental units. The two six-unit affordable housing projects are supported by $924,000 in funding through the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program. 

Joe Preston, Member of Parliament for Elgin-Middlesex-London, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), and Steve Peters, Member of Provincial Parliament for Elgin-Middlesex-London, along with Acting Mayor Tom Johnson, on behalf of St. Thomas Mayor Cliff Barwick made the announcement. For more details, visit: http://www.joeprestonmp.ca/EN/3634/113969

More Elgin-Middlesex-London students will have an opportunity to gain valuable work experience and earn money for the upcoming school year thanks to a Government of Canada initiative. Joe Preston, Member of Parliament for Elgin-Middlesex-London made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.

“Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, our government is increasing funding to Canada Summer Jobs, to create jobs for students and help them develop their skills,” said Preston. “Our government is happy to give a hand-up to students who are eager for a tangible work experience and who would like to contribute to their local community and economy.”  For more details, visit: http://www.joeprestonmp.ca/EN/3634/113652

Government Happenings
The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, and the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister of State (Agriculture) today announced that the United States has accepted an offer from the Government of Canada to help to contain the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The Government of Canada is providing offshore booms to assist with oil spill cleanup efforts underway in the Gulf of Mexico.

“When faced with an environmental tragedy like the one in the Gulf of Mexico, we must not forget that we are all global citizens who must be prepared to lend a hand where it’s needed,” said Minister Shea.  “Canada and the United States have a long-standing tradition of helping one another in times of need, and we stand ready to assist our American neighbours.”  For more information, visit: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/media/npress-communique/2010/hq-ac30-eng.htm

New St. Thomas FM Radio STATION? My Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) has filed an application to serve St. Thomas and area with a new FM radio station. The CRTC have gazetted an application for a new FM radio station for St. Thomas. This means it is now a public document and open for public comment until June 21, 2010. (http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2010/2010-295.htm#18)

Citizen Recognition
On June 19th, our community will be losing (to retirement) an amazing ambassador for our area. Anne Kenny, currently a counselor at the Elgin Business Resource Centre will be handing over her high heels for running shoes and dashing off! Anne has made a significant contribution to our community through her work with HRSDC and her many roles on various boards and organizations. Anne, we will miss your always smiling face and expertise. Best of luck on all of your future endeavours

Events
How would you like to live in the Most Patriotic Riding in Canada? Joe Preston, Member of Parliament for Elgin-Middlesex-London, along with many colleagues in Parliament, has launched the Proud to be Canadian Campaign. Every household in the riding have been mailed a cut-out paper flag that should be arriving this week. To participate, cut out the flag, display it in your home and return your reply card to the mailing address.

“I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Canada Day” said Preston.