Dear Friends,
Hello to my fellow Conservative Members in the Kelowna-Lake Country Electoral District Association. I trust this Summer newsletter finds you all well and hope you are getting a chance to relax and enjoy some time with family and friends.
For most of the Summer, I will be in the riding hosting a Minister or two, door knocking and meeting with various individuals of our local community, business and social groups learning what is on their mind.
On July 31st, I will be traveling to New Denver to unveil a plaque for a National Historic site to commemorate Japanese internment during the Second World War.
The first week of August, I will be back to Ottawa for our Summer Caucus meeting.
On September 10th, we have our annual EDA Golf Tournament (don’t want to miss this one) and I am sure there will be a few other surprises along the way.
It is a bit of a relief when Parliament recesses for the Summer but don't let anyone tell you the work was done. Important legislation, already passed by the House of Commons, was before the Senate including our Jobs and Economic Growth legislation. Finally the Senate has done their part.
Most notably for constituents in Kelowna-Lake Country, Senators have moved quickly to pass our Conservative Government’s justice reforms, a stark contrast from the last Parliament where the Liberals repeatedly used their majority in the Senate to block our justice agenda.
Bill C-11, the Balanced Refugee Reform Act has also been passed. This was a collaborative effort by all parties and led to the acceptance of amendments and all-party support in both the House of Commons and the Senate.
Canada already has one of the most generous refugee systems in the world and these reforms will lead to faster protection for victims of torture and persecution, and faster removal of failed asylum claimants including those who try to abuse Canada's generosity. Failed asylum claimants will have access to a new fact-based appeal at the Refugee Appeal Division, while taxpayers would save an estimated $1.8 billion over 5 years because failed claimants would no longer be able to stay in Canada for years.
As we watch what is going on in the Gulf of Mexico, you will be interested to know that beginning July 1st, all domestic and foreign vessels of a certain size must report to the Canadian Coast Guard when travelling through Canada’s Arctic waters.
With mandatory reporting, the Coast Guard will keep watch of vessels carrying pollutants, fuel, oil and dangerous goods to promote the safe navigation of vessels through our waters and so that it can respond quickly in the event of an accident.
This announcement builds on new legislation passed in June 2009, which extends Canada’s sovereignty of Arctic waters from 100 to 200 nautical mile limits.
Back in the riding, Minister Day and I, in partnership with the BC Government, announced an investment of $5M to help our BC Fruit Growers. This funding will deliver real results for farmers by helping to develop new marketing opportunities, infrastructure, and further improve orchard pest management.
The economy continues to be our government’s priority. We are making some good progress but the recovery is still fragile. Prime Minister Harper is displaying great leadership at home and on the international stage. The PM will be in BC in August for a tour of the Lower Mainland.
On a personal note, I hope to take a few days off and have a little bicycle trip on Vancouver Island with my wife and daughter. I received a bike for Father's Day so will get a chance to enjoy it while trying to stay in shape.
Parliament resumes on September 20th and there is a vote scheduled on September 22nd to abolish the long gun registry. After spending the summer touring the riding and meeting with their constituents it will be interesting to see if MPs will vote the wishes of their constituents or be whipped by their leaders to keep the wasteful and ineffective long gun registry intact.
My top priority is to keep you, my constituents and supporters, apprised of what is happening in Ottawa and around the riding and to do my best to ensure your concerns are being addressed.
Consequently, I always welcome and appreciate your comments as well as having this opportunity to update you on what is happening in Ottawa and around the riding.
I would also like to extend a personal thanks to my EDA Board members and the numerous volunteers who work tirelessly to help keep the Conservative Party #1 in Kelowna-Lake Country.
Thanks again for all your support and encouragement. Have a great Summer and please feel free to email me anytime at: ron@cannan.ca or call me at 250-862-9380.
All the best, hope to see you around town!
Sincerely,
Ron Cannan, MP
