It may be summer, but our government remains hard at work on your behalf. Here are a few recent highlights.
Honouring our Vets and Troops
I am pleased to report on two new initiatives to honour our troops. The first is an official honour to recognize Canadian Veterans of Bomber Command. A special bar will be created and worn on the ribbon of the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal. The efforts of the approximately 50,000 Canadians who served with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and the Royal Air Force (RAF) in Bomber Command operations over occupied Europe were one of our country’s most significant contributions to the Second World War effort.
The second is a Canadian Forces War of 1812 Commemorative Banner and Commemorative pin, which will be presented to Canadian Forces units, formations, and establishments whose heritage, embraces service in the defence of Canada during 1812-1815. The War of 1812 was instrumental in the development of Canada’s military and tells the story of the Canada we know today – an independent and free country in a constitutional monarchy with its own parliamentary system.
The 1812 Canadian Heritage commemorative pin will be worn by all Canadian Forces members for the three-year commemoration period. The banner will be displayed throughout the 2012-2015 commemorative period and paraded thereafter by units on anniversaries of events of the War of 1812.
National Transplant Research Program Funding
On July 17th Canada’s Health Minister announced a commitment of $10 million dollars to support a national transplant research program that aims to improve the health of transplant patients in Canada. This is also a great reminder that any of us could one day, be in need of an organ or tissue transplant. The few minutes it takes to register as a donor can end up saving eight lives. You can register at www.beadonor.ca.
Protecting Canada’s Water Quality
New Wastewater System Effluent Regulations were established on July 18. These are the country’s first-ever national standards for the treatment of sewage, one of the largest sources of pollution in our waters. Safe and reliable wastewater infrastructure is essential to ensuring the health and well-being of our communities. These regulations will contribute to Canada’s economic future and help ensure our water is clean, safe and available for future generations.
Go Canada Go!
The Olympic Games will take place from July 27 to August 12, followed by the Paralympic Games from August 29 to September 9. As athletes from around the world gather in London for the 2012 Olympics - I’d like to congratulate Canada’s team on becoming Olympians, and wish them luck and success in the events ahead.
Canada’s team comes from coast to coast to coast and I am sure they will make us proud, by once more showing athleticism, sportsmanship and dedication. In Vancouver two years ago our athletes stunned the world with a record-setting performance at home. In Canada’s Games our athletes won 14 gold medals – the most ever by a single country at a Winter Olympics. Canada’s Paralympians also had their best-ever performance in 2010, placing third in both total medal count and gold medals won. Now Canada’s summer athletes travel across the Atlantic to test their skills against the best in the world.
The Newmarket-Aurora riding will be represented by Sheila Reid, who competes in the 5000 meter run. I know everyone in Aurora and Newmarket are very excited for her and wishes the very best as she represents our country in this gruelling contest.
Our government is a proud supporter of Canada’s Olympians. That’s why we so strongly support the Own the Podium program, which enables the training and competition that give Canadian athletes the opportunity to achieve their gold medal dreams.
We also support athletics and an active lifestyle at all levels of skill. I encourage residents to take every opportunity to get outside – between watching Olympic events – and enjoy our beautiful towns, and all the amenities and facilities they have to offer. Sports are part of Canadian identity and culture, and a fun way to improve overall health for you and your family.
Please join me in wishing Sheila and all our Olympians the very best of luck. Go Canada Go!
If you would like to contact me on these or any other issue, please call 905.953.7515 or visit my website at www.loisbrown.ca. I would love to hear from you.
