Local News
Southern Ontario businesses, not-for-profit organizations and post-secondary institutions will benefit from a new federal funding initiative aimed at supporting productivity, economic diversification and competitiveness in the region. The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, launched the Prosperity Initiative at the Annual General Meeting of the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce.
“Our future in Southern Ontario depends on our businesses creating jobs and this will help,” Joe Preston, MP for Elgin-Middlesex-London stated.  “There are many great businesses in this community and region that would be able to grow from today’s announcement.” For more details, visit: http://www.feddevontario.gc.ca/eic/site/723.nsf/eng/h_00398.html

Joe Preston, MP (Elgin-Middlesex-London) and the Hon. Steve Peters, MPP (Elgin-Middlesex-London) joined Central Elgin Council and Southwold Township Council members in a ceremony to mark the re-opening of Port Stanley Arena following extensive renovations. The $1.5 million project included an arena floor slab, improvements to the community hall and lobby renovations. For more details and photos, visit: http://www.joeprestonmp.ca/EN/3634/121352

Government Happenings
The Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, hosted a consultation with business leaders, as part of a series of discussions with Canadians on how Canada’s Economic Action Plan will continue to shape the country’s economic future in Budget 2011. These Economic Action Plan consultations will complement the broad economic consultations that the Prime Minister and individual Members of Parliament are conducting across the country to listen to Canadians. The Minister’s consultation will include a number of roundtables with accomplished Canadians, continued consultation with his Economic Advisory Council and town halls. As part of efforts to listen to a wide variety of opinions, the Government is also conducting online consultations, which begin today. Those wishing to make submissions can do so by visiting: http://www.fin.gc.ca/prebudget-prebudgetaire/1-eng.asp

Peter Braid, Member of Parliament for Kitchener–Waterloo, introduced a private member’s motion, M-559, in the House of Commons seconded by Joe Preston, MP for Elgin-Middlesex- London. M-559 asks the Standing Committee on Finance to review the charitable tax credit and the proposal to remove capital gains tax from donations of private company shares and real estate. If the motion passes, the resulting study could recommend changes that will benefit both charitable organizations and the donors who support them. For more details, visit: http://www.joeprestonmp.ca/EN/3634/121362

On November 17th, Minister Aglukkaq and Parliamentary Secretary Shelly Glover launched a new anti- drug advertising campaign. This campaign focuses on supporting parents in their efforts to keep their kids off and away from drugs.  For more details, visit: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hc-ps/drugs-drogues/youth-jeunes/index-eng.php

Events
On Tuesday, November 9th, Joe hosted the new mayors of the riding and MPP Steve Peters at an informal dinner in Talbotville. The event gave the new mayors an opportunity to meet one another and their spouses and discuss their visions for their municipalities.  Joe also participated in Remembrance Day Ceremonies in Dutton, West Lorne, Port Stanley and Port Burwell.  In the Christmas spirit, Joe handed out hot chocolate to all of children in Dutton at their annual parade and took part in the St. Thomas Santa Claus parade. Joe was also at the grand opening of Christmas Care in St. Thomas. Staff represented at the Annual Fantasy of Lights in Dorchester and St. Thomas.

Citizen Recognition
After 6 ½ years of community service, Francine Melmer paid her final farewell on Friday.
Francine joined the Constituency Office of Joe Preston, MP following Joe’s successful bid in 2004. She focused on seniors’ issues including Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security, and Veteran’s Affairs but with her extensive resources, tackled almost anything.
“We were all green. I was a green MP. The office was green and we figured out what we were able to do as the MP’s office, together” said Preston as they reminisced on Friday.
Surrounded by family, co-workers, and representatives from throughout the community, Francine spoke about her time in the office. “It has been a great opportunity to work with the constituents of the Elgin-Middlesex-London riding. It has been quite a ride,” said Melmer.
Francine plans to spend more time with her family and looks forward to the next chapter in her life.

Thank you Francine for your compassion, leadership and enthusiasm. You will be missed.