Local News
Joe Preston, local politicians, municipal administration, residents and employees joined Karl and Rachel Pfister for the official groundbreaking of Armatech Survivability in Dorchester.  Armatech will relocate to their new home amalgamating all of their existing locations. For more details: http://www.joeprestonmp.ca/EN/3634/101221
 
Joe Preston, on behalf of Minister Gail Shea announced a contract totaling $360, 000 to Kanter Yachts. Kanter will be manufacturing 2- eight meter boats to be used by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans for hydrographic survey launches.  For more details: http://www.joeprestonmp.ca/EN/3634/101150

Events
Canadians from coast-to-coast joined together to remember our Veterans this past week.  A special heartfelt thank you to all of the men and women who have served our country during times of war and peace.  Thank you to all of the Royal Canadian Legions throughout the riding who organized these events of remembrance.
 
Minister Gary Goodyear joined local community leaders at the CASO Station in St. Thomas on Tuesday, November 10th to discuss economic development. For more details: http://www.joeprestonmp.ca/EN/3634/101152
 
Christmas Care officially opened their doors Friday, November 6. Located at 130 Woodworth Ave in St. Thomas, community volunteers are ACCEPTING DONATIONS NOW!
 

Government Happenings
On Thursday, November 5, 2009, Bill C-50 received Royal Assent.  This government bill allows the extension of Employment Insurance Benefits up to 20 additional weeks.  For more information on this legislation: http://www2.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?DocId=4219549&Language=e&Mode=1
 
The Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, the Honourable Diane Finley announced a Bill to extend Employment Insurance Benefits to Self-Employed individuals.  This bill will allow self-employed individuals access to Maternity, Parental, Sick and Compassionate Care Benefits. For more details: http://www.joeprestonmp.ca/EN/3634/100764
 

Citizen Recognition
This week in Ottawa, Master Cpl Dave Gionet was presented the Sacrifice medal by the Governor General of Canada.  Gionet, a newly welcomed resident of St. Thomas, served in Afghanistan in 2005 and again in 2008.  Master Cpl Dave Gionet, we are so proud to have you walk amongst us. You are a Canadian Hero. Thank you!


Presentation of Military Valour Decorations and Meritorious Service Decorations in 2008.
 
Meetings and Delegations
Several meetings have taken place over the past 2 weeks. Joe met with Steve Peters, MPP to discuss local issues and regional issues, the City of St. Thomas, John Regan from Elgin Business Resource Centre and the London Board of Control.