November 01, 2011

Every year, Canadians join together to celebrate Veterans Week from November 5 to 11. During this week, hundreds of commemorative ceremonies and events take place across the country to honour our Veterans and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Veterans are ordinary men and women who did extraordinary things to protect our freedom and create a safer world in which to live. The sacrifices and achievements of our Veterans have helped define and defend the Canada we know and love. With pride, we commemorate their legacy during Veterans= Week and recognize the dedication of all of Canada’s Veterans who have ensured the protection of our country and the promotion of peace around the world.
This year marks the end of Canada’s combat mission in Afghanistan, and through Veterans’ Week, Canadians will pay tribute to the enormous contributions and sacrifices Canadian Forces members have made in Afghanistan over the past decade, and those sacrifices made by their families. We also recognize the important contributions of those who will continue to support Canada’s non-combat training mission.
This Veterans’ Week, make remembrance more than something you feel, make it something you do. There are many ways to actively remember and honour our Canadian Veterans:

• Wear a poppy above your heart, attend the local Remembrance Day ceremony, and vow never to forget.
• Listen to Veterans talk about their experiences.
• Change your profile picture on Facebook to a poppy and blog or tweet about the importance of remembrance.

As Canadians, it is our duty to pass on the legacy and keep the memories of our Canadian Veterans alive.

Local and Regional News
The Honourable Julian Fantino, Associate Minister of National Defence, announced that General Dynamics Land Systems – Canada has been awarded the contract for the implementation phase of the Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV) III Upgrade Project by the Government of Canada. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women.
“The announcement is welcome news for our Canadian Forces and the City of London. Our Government is delivering results on its twin objectives of giving the Canadian Forces the tools needed to protect Canada’s sovereignty, while creating jobs right here in Ontario,” said Minister Fantino. “We are maintaining skilled Canadian jobs right here in London, and ensuring that the Canadian Army is prepared with the critical equipment they need to protect our interests now and well into the future.” For more information, visit: http://www.joeprestonmp.ca/media/news/harper-government-invests-in-the-canadian-forces-and-jobs

It’s like an amusement park for recyclables. That’s how London’s environmental programs and solid waste director described southwestern Ontario’s newest materials recovery facility during its grand opening Friday morning (Oct. 14). Joe Preston, MP for Elgin-Middlesex-London joined London city officials along with Mayor of Aylmer, Jack Couckuyt at the opening of MURPH a project funded by the Federal Gas Tax Fund and the City of London.
“They’re the type of project that add value to our community, remove greenhouse gases, remove articles from the landfill and reuse them,” Preston said. “These are the right things to do.” For more details, visit: http://www.joeprestonmp.ca/media/news/waste-not%2C-want-not

Government Happenings
The Harper Government announced the introduction of the Fair Representation Act. This legislation will move every province towards representation by population in the House of Commons.
“Canadians living in Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta have become significantly underrepresented as their populations have grown,” said Minister Uppal. “The Fair Representation Act delivers on our Government’s long-standing commitment and moves every single province towards the principle of representation by population.” For more information, visit: http://www.joeprestonmp.ca/media/news/fair-representation-act-moves-every-province-towards-rep-by-pop
The Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety, introduced the Ending the Long-Gun Registry Act.
The Minister made the announcement alongside the Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism), and Candice Hoeppner, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety, in Richmond, Ontario, where they met with various stakeholders who support the long-gun registry’s abolition.
“The Harper Government has always been clear; by eliminating the wasteful and ineffective long-gun registry, we can instead focus our efforts on measures that actually tackle crime and make our streets and communities safe,” said Minister Toews. “Our Government will continue to uphold our commitment to effective gun control measures that help keep firearms out of the hands of criminals and off our streets.” For more information, visit: http://www.joeprestonmp.ca/media/news/long-gun-registry-legislation

Citizen Recognition
On Friday, October 28th, the Elgin Business Resource Centre celebrated their 25th anniversary. Formed in 1986 and known as Elgin Local Employment Assistance and Development Corporation (LEAD) they amalgamated with the Elgin Community Futures Committee in 1996 to create the ECFDC. In 2008, the organization underwent rebranding to become the Elgin Business Resource Centre (EBRC). The organization has helped thousands entrepreneurs start and enhance local businesses. I would like to congratulate the Elgin Business Resource Centre on all of their accomplishments in the past 25 years and for assisting some of our ridings greatest success stories including the first winery in the County of Elgin~ Quai du Vin and the Innovation Centre for Entrepreneurs (ICE) which currently homes 5 new businesses in our area. Best wishes and continued success!

Events
Joe has been throughout the riding this fall visiting many local events including the “Drive Away Hunger Campaign” at Vandenbrinks Farm Equipment; visiting a Grade 5 class at Elgin Court Public School; and a fundraising breakfast at the Lyons Hall. The office and staff took part in the annual Small Business Sample Show hosted by the St. Thomas and District Chamber of Commerce; YWCA Citizenship Ceremony; and meetings with many local groups and individuals.

Throughout the riding, many Remembrance Day Ceremonies will be held. Please take the time to remember our Veterans.