This week, I returned to Parliament after an incredible summer. On my return to Ottawa, our government tabled new legislation for Employment Insurance Reform and announced new legislation to be tabled this fall on White Collar Crime.

Local News
The official groundbreaking for the Ivey School of Business took place on Thursday, September 10th.  Members of Parliament including the Honourable Diane Finley, Joe Preston and Ed Holder were on hand for the event. http://www.joeprestonmp.ca/EN/3634/97032

Members of the Township of Malahide Council and Staff were joined by Steve Peters, MPP and Karen Vecchio, Assistant to Joe Preston, MP at the official groundbreaking of the Lyons Firehall and the Springfield Community Centre of Friday, September 11th. 

Events
Joe on the Road hits Thorndale Public Library, Thursday, September 24th from 4-7PM.  If you have any federal government questions or need assistance with any federal programs, come out to see Joe and his staff.

The Lambeth Harvest was another successful event.  Community members gathered over the weekend in the village for the annual parade and festivities. Joe served pancakes on Saturday morning with the Rotary Club followed by participation in the parade.

The Elgin County Plowmen’s Association hosted the annual plowing match at the farm of Tom and Helen Bradish. Joe participated in the elected official class. http://www.joeprestonmp.ca/EN/3634/97042


Government Happenings
The Government of Canada delivered $50,000,000 through the The AgriProcessing Initiative (API).  API will provide contributions for the purchasing and installing of equipment in Canadian facilities to enable the adoption of new manufacturing technologies and processes. http://www.joeprestonmp.ca/EN/3634/96671

On Monday, September 14th, The Honourable Diane Finley proposed legislation to provide an additional 20 weeks of benefits to long-tenured workers.  Further details are available at http://www.joeprestonmp.ca/EN/3634/96686

New Horizons for Seniors have made a call of proposals for CAPITAL ASSISTANCE funding. The deadline is November 6, 2009. For further details on this program:
 http://www.rhdcc-hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/community_partnerships/seniors/index.shtml

Citizen Recognition
The Annual Terry Fox Run was held Sunday, September 13th in Pinafore Park. For the fourth year in a row, Jennifer Ewans and her spouse Jeff Renaud chaired this event.  I would like to personally recognize Jen and Jeff for their outstanding community leadership and passion for this event. Thank you!!!

Meetings and Delegations
Prior to returning to Ottawa, Joe was involved with a number of group and individual meetings including Youth Opportunities, guest speaker at the Golden K, BBQ with the Grains & Oilseeds producers of Elgin County, and an update from the IRAP representative for our area. In Ottawa, Joe chaired the South West Conservative Caucus meeting and Committee Meetings.