Local News
Joe Preston, MP for Elgin-Middlesex-London, announced that Enerworks Inc. will receive $2,465,000 under the Community Adjustment Fund Intake 2.
“Residents in our community will benefit from projects like this one, which encourage economic revitalization,” said MP Joe Preston.  “Our investment in the manufacturing sector in Thames Centre will help this region become recognized as a key player in a global economy.”
For more details on this announcement: http://www.joeprestonmp.ca/EN/3634/112330
 
An official ceremony marked the undertaking of improvements and addition to the local municipal office in the Township of Southwold. The Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario each committed up to $168,000.00 to the project. The Township of Southwold received a donation from the Green Lane Trust Fund for the balance of the project’s total budgeted cost of $504,000.00. For more details, visit: http://www.joeprestonmp.ca/EN/3634/112369

Funding of more than $1.7 million for 23 new affordable housing rental units for low-income seniors and persons with disabilities was announced in Aylmer. “Locally, this achievement gives a hand-up to seniors and persons with disabilities  who need safe, affordable housing that meets their needs,” said MP Preston. “Our government is investing in this project to get the local economy moving, creating immediate jobs and economic stimulus for the community.”  For more details, visit: www.joeprestonmp.ca

Have you seen Rita? Joe was joined by Grade 1 students on Wednesday, May 20th at the Arts in Cookery Bank with Rita Debook. Rita is part of a literacy awareness campaign that officially launched May 27th.  For more information, visit: http://www.wix.com/inferno416/haveyouseenrita

Government Happenings
The Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety, and the Honourable Pierre-Hugues Boisvenu, Senator, today announced legislation to eliminate pardons for serious crimes.
Joe Preston, Member of Parliament for Elgin-Middlesex-London stated “These measures help protect our children and our communities.  Our government needs to support the victims who have lost their loved ones and put their rights first; not the rights of those who have committed a serious offence.” For more details: http://www.joeprestonmp.ca/EN/3634/111916
 
Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced that Canada and Mexico have agreed to greater cooperation on air transport, youth mobility and anti-crime capacity building.  The announcement took place during a visit to Ottawa by Felipe Calderón, President of the United Mexican States. The two leaders also agreed to a Joint Action Plan that provides a framework for moving the relationship forward. For more details, visit: http://www.joeprestonmp.ca/EN/government_news_(central)/prime_minister_stephen_harper_builds_stronger_collaboration_with_mexico/
 
Citizen Recognition
Volunteer Elgin promotes supports and encourages volunteerism within the communities of Elgin County. The 2010 Volunteer Recognition event organized by Volunteer Elgin took place Friday, May 28th at Pinafore Park. Representatives from a variety of agencies across the county have joined together to celebrate the contributions that our local volunteers make to our communities. Congratulations to all of the coordinators and volunteers who make our community a better place to live and grow.
 
Events
Currently the constituency office is filled with amazing pieces of artwork created by several of our local students. We encourage constituents to stop by and vote on their favourite piece of work. On June 19th, Joe will announce the winners of the 2010 Canada Day Poster Challenge.
Joe toured and visited many local businesses in the area included Braam’s Custom Cabinets and Erie Flooring along the newly renovated and almost completed Arts and Cookery Bank in West Lorne. In Ottawa, Joe participated in meetings including regular caucus meetings and committee meetings.
Joe on the Road was a huge success in Port Burwell on Tuesday, May 19th. Joe had the opportunity to meet with many residence and discuss local issues and concerns.