Advice on federal programs

EDAC members visited M.P. John Weston’s office on May 3.

Submitted

There are certain tips that can improve the odds for applications for government funding and M.P. John Weston was happy to pass them along to the members of the Bowen Island Municipal Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) who came to consult with him in his West Vancouver office on Friday, May 3.

“Federal programs are competitions and only the best applications are awarded success,” said Gordon Ganong, EDAC’s chair. “Of every $1,000 awarded, there are usually applications for $100,000.” Ganong explained that he, along with five committee members, had gone to see Weston with the objective to discuss opportunities where federal programs could be of help for the economical development of Bowen Island. “[Weston] was very open, and provided us with what he sees as the important points when applying for federal programs,” he said, explaining that for national programs, Bowen Island could be in competition with places from all over Canada.

The advice Weston gave included keeping it short, knowing the priorities, focusing on job creation and economic growth, demonstrating local commitment and environmental sustainability and leveraging applications with letters of support.

“[Weston] also suggested to be in contact with his office when applying for a federal program so he can be in a position to assist,” Ganong explained, adding that involving Weston’s office in the application process is better than asking him to appeal when an application wasn’t successful.

“I applaud the collaborative  efforts of the Bowen Island Economic Development Advisory Committee for seeking a new vision that reflects the needs of a great community. Once again, volunteerism is promoted and reflects the good hearts of Canadians. I  am looking forward to seeing new strategies to encourage the economic and vibrant growth of Bowen Island and the resulting benefits to its residents,” Weston said about the meeting.

“Weston was pleased to see that we narrowed our focus to three key areas: tourism, the function junction and the artisan and cottage industry,” Ganong said. “It is often helpful to show that the funding would have a positive impact on other communities.”

“The bottom line is that his office open for business,” Ganong said. “He is familiar with Bowen Island and has invited us to a seat on his constituency’s Tourism Round Table which has a budget of $95,000.”

As always, please feel free to share this e-mail with friends and family.

Sincerely,

Hon. Jason Kenney, PC, MP

Calgary Southeast

www.JasonKenney.ca

Minister Kenney issues statement on Mahmoud Mohammad Issa Mohammad

Ottawa, May 13, 2013 — The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, today issued the following statement regarding the removal over the weekend of Mahmoud Mohammad Issa Mohammad:

“Mr. Mohammad entered Canada in 1987 and was first found to be inadmissible to Canada on the basis of misrepresentation and subsequently found to be ineligible to make a refugee claim because he had been a member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, and had participated in a terrorist attack on an Israeli plane, which killed an Israeli citizen in 1968.

“Mr. Mohammad was convicted of that crime in Greece, but was freed before completing his sentence as part of the resolution of another hostage taking. He then misrepresented himself to enter Canada, where he remained until his removal over the weekend.

“This convicted terrorist was able to use numerous and repetitive appeals and loopholes under Canada’s old, broken immigration system to remain in Canada for 25 years. Fortunately, since 2006, the Government has acted to strengthen the integrity of Canada’s immigration system. The introduction of biometrics, reforms to Canada’s asylum system, and the Faster Removal of Foreign Criminals Act, among many other measures, all help to avoid another convicted terrorist like Mr. Mohammad being able to remain in Canada for so long.

“Canada’s immigration and refugee determination system is one of the most generous in the world. However, its integrity can only be maintained by ensuring that individuals like Mr. Mohammad, whose heinous crimes and misrepresentations mean they are not legally admissible to Canada, are identified and removed.”

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/statements/2013/2013-05-13.asp

John Weston West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country, BC

Mr. Speaker, we live in an extraordinary time. Canadians are consistently expressing gratitude for our economic blessings. Again and again, we hear evidence why our economy, under our Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, and this Conservative government, is truly the toast of the world. The evidence is clear: over 900,000 net new jobs since July 2009; the best debt-to-GDP ratio in the western world; and an investment climate which Forbes magazine calls number one in the world.

My purpose in rising today is to highlight aspects of the environment which are integral to our economic success and which figure prominently in budget 2013. I hope by the end of this debate that my colleagues will share with me the notion that the environment is the economy; a notion that goes beyond the more traditional paradigm that suggests the economy and the environment must be in balance.

I am delighted to work in a House where we have a Minister of the Environment who has worked relentlessly on improving climate change, both domestically and internationally. He has done a sector-by-sector effect of GHG assessment, recorded great accomplishments in responsible resource development, and with his predecessors has increased our parkland by over 50%. These are amazing accomplishments.

Every time we consider whether environmental and economic factors are in balance, we are suggesting that the environment and the economy are in conflict with one another. Another way to articulate this supposed polarity is that the one must make sacrifice for the other to advance. In other words, we tend wrongly to start our discussion from the notion that the economy and the environment are at war with one another.

In encouraging Canadians to rethink the economy and the environment, let us have a look at the importance of this discussion. The organization ECO Canada, a foundation which was founded in 1992 and is the country’s largest online resource for environmental jobs, training and recruitment, says that some 682,000 jobs in Canada are directly related to the environment; that is, the people in those jobs spend 50% or more of their work time relating to the environment. That is a staggering number.

Today I would like to point to our budget to reset the discussion around the notion that the environment is the economy. As we perhaps discuss the quality of life of Canadians, instead of how the economy and the environment are struggling against one another, our budget in its genius brings out many ways in which this government views our economy and our environment to be interrelated and coexisting.

Starting with this, let us call it a fresh view of the interrelated environment and economy, how can we continue with policies of economic growth? How must our processes be designed to evaluate infrastructure projects that might facilitate responsible resource extraction?

Constituents of mine, as individuals and in groups, have consistently expressed their support for Canada’s economic success but have also stood for responsible environmental practices befitting of a riding which many call the most beautiful place on earth. Some of these proud Canadians include David Bromley, a world-renowned environmental engineer; the Sea to Sky Fisheries Roundtable coordinator Dave Brown; Carl Halvorson of the North Vancouver Outdoor School, based in Squamish; and Squamish First Nation Elder, Randall Lewis. Other groups and individuals who have articulated to me clearly the priority they put on fisheries habitat issues include the West Vancouver Streamkeeper group, including leaders such as John Barker and Mike Akerly, the Pacific Salmon Foundation, and the Future of Howe Sound Society.

What is in this budget for fisheries? In the past and current sessions of this Parliament, ministers of fisheries and of the environment have visited our riding and have heard directly from stakeholders, such as those of whom I just spoke. They have heard loud and clear about the importance of protecting fish habitat.

I am, therefore, especially proud to highlight two provisions in this budget which would respond directly to concerns such as those raised by these constituents.

First, Ottawa would contribute $10 million over two years, across Canada, for partnerships with local groups on fisheries and habitat conservation measures. That is something that my colleagues and members right around this House ought to be rejoicing about. There is a direct relationship between this budget and the millions of Canadian volunteers, anglers and recreational fishers who would benefit from this excellent measure.

Second, the Vancouver-based Pacific Salmon Foundation would see its funding increase from about $300,000 a year to $1 million a year as a result of changes in how the government would allocate revenue from the sale of conservation stamps that fishermen would have to purchase when they acquire licences. The Pacific Salmon Foundation is one of the best organizations in Canada in terms of galvanizing volunteers and leveraging government funds many times over, so I am delighted that this foundation has made its voice heard in such an effective way.

Let us look at conservation and biodiversity. John Fraser is in Ottawa today. He is a former minister of fisheries and of the environment. As you know, Mr. Speaker, he is a former Speaker of the House, whose 1991 decision influenced your recent decision concerning members’ statements in the House. Mr. Fraser is one of many Conservatives who have created a strong environmental legacy. Among other things, he assisted former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney in creating the acid rain treaty with the Americans to clean up our Great Lakes, and he contributed to the founding of a national park in what we now know as Haida Gwaii. Therefore, with the distinguished Mr. Fraser on Parliament Hill today, it is especially meaningful to refer to the remarkable record of this government regarding conservation and biodiversity.

Environment Canada’s collaboration with the Nature Conservancy of Canada and other organizations has resulted in the protection of more than 354,000 hectares, including habitat for 146 species at risk. Our investments include $10 million to safeguard the Flathead River Valley in British Columbia. Since 2006, the Government of Canada has added 148,754 square kilometres to Parks Canada’s network of protected areas, which is a tremendous accomplishment for this Minister of the Environment and his predecessors. As a result, we have increased the total land and water that comes under our stewardship by more than half. The government’s investment of $143 million over 10 years to create Canada’s first national urban park in the Rouge Valley of Toronto is a fine example of action. John Fraser will be happy to hear that we are carrying on his great environmental legacy.

What would be in the budget for the environment generally? Well, environmental concerns in B.C. would focus heavily on tanker safety, and Canada is a world-class regulator with an almost unblemished record of tanker safety on the west coast. The Government of Canada would take further action to ensure it continues this world-class tanker safety system for shipping oil and liquefied natural gas safely through Canada’s waterways before any major new energy export facilities become operational. New measures would strengthen Canada’s current system, including increased tanker inspections, new and modified aids to navigation, and the establishment of a Canadian Coast Guard incident command system, which would allow it to respond more effectively to an incident and integrate its operations with key partners. The government has also introduced the safeguarding Canada’s seas and skies act, and a new expert panel to review Canada’s current tanker safety and proposed measures to strengthen it.

With the new Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, we would provide greater certainty for industry at the same time as increasing penalties in order to ensure compliance. This would allow our natural resources to be developed in a responsible and timely way. We would work to ensure accountability and transparency from industry by conducting a review of industry reporting through the national pollutant release inventory.

These are other concrete examples of Canada strengthening its environmental protection, and there is more. The National Energy Board inspections of oil and gas pipelines would increase by 50% annually to improve pipeline safety across Canada. Canada would double the number of comprehensive audits of oil and gas pipelines to identify potential safety issues before they occur. New enforceable environmental assessment decision statements would ensure that proponents of resource and other economic projects would comply with required mitigation measures to protect the environment. New administrative monitoring penalties would be introduced for violations to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, the Nuclear Safety and Control Act and the National Energy Board Act to help ensure compliance. Companies that violate Canada’s environmental laws would now face strong, stiff, new financial penalties.

If members agree with me that the environment is the economy, they will note what the next provision means in terms of its distinctiveness from the previous Liberal approach on the environment which focused on endless debate, vague objectives and unenforceable provisions.

In contrast to that previous Liberal approach, budgets of this Conservative government have created a $1.5 billion trust fund to help provinces and territories invest in major projects that clean our air and result in real GHG emission reductions.

This government is committed to reducing Canada’s total GHG emissions by 17%, from 2005 levels, by 2020, and is halfway to meeting its target, a target that is inscribed in the Copenhagen accord. That is concrete and measurable evidence of progress on the environment.

The government is also following a sector-by-sector regulatory approach to align with the United States to achieve GHG emission reductions. To date, stringent regulations to reduce GHG emissions in the electricity and transport sectors have been implemented. In addition, work is also under way to develop regulations for the oil and gas sector.

Our environmental approach is comprehensive and will continue to include actions that create a cleaner healthier environment, improve the lives of Canadians, and support the development and deployment of new environmental and cleaner energy technologies.

Let us look at a bit more of our history. To maintain a strong economy, Canada requires a healthy environment that provides sustainable resources and supports a high quality of life. That is why our government is committed to ensuring that Canada’s enviable and pristine environment, never better evidenced than in the riding I represent, is protected and strengthened for current and future generations.

In conclusion, our government listens to stakeholders and is convinced that the environment is the economy and that we are acting in measurable ways to protect it. Secondly, our government is protecting our fisheries. Thirdly, our government is making improvements on environmental protection in a practical and measurable way that allows for responsible resource development.

(Ottawa, May 7, 2013)  Collaboration was the theme and leverage was the message at the second annual National Life Jacket & Swim Day on the Hill in Ottawa yesterday. “By working together, we can make Canada the Fittest Nation on Earth” according to John Weston, MP for West Vancouver – Sea to Sky – Sunshine Coast. An array of organizations and Parliamentarians combined on Monday, May 7th to promote swimming as an accessible life skill and superb approach to health and fitness juxtaposed with a safety theme.

A companion event to National Health and Fitness Day , National Life Jacket and Swim Day on the Hill brought out co-ordinators, Weston, and Pierre Lafontaine, of InterUniversity Sports. They partnered with a myriad of organizations to promote swimming as an excellent and inexpensive form of physical activity and to raise awareness about the importance of safety when swimming, boating, or in any activity in which there is a risk of drowning.

The event was the result of a collaboration between Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State for Sport and MPs Peter Stoffer, Kirsty Duncan, and Weston. Canadian InterUniversity Sports’ Pierre Lafontaine co-ordinated many of the participants . Canadian Tire’s JumpStart Foundation supplied lifejackets for people to try on and bring home the message to wear them at all times while boating and to educate the generations about safety when around water. Robin Ouimet represented Master’s Swim Canada to remind people of the life long advantages of regular swimming. The Canadian Olympic and ParaOlympic movement was well represented by Brianna Jennett-McNeil who competed in the London Games in 2012. Rick Caissie of the Red Cross described the more than a million Canadians involved in Red Cross summer swim programs; and the other million who need them but don’t get involved.  ParticipAction promoted the event, Bob Elliott from Sports Matters Group was there to address the crowd.. Olivia Chow, MP took the opportunity to call for a national policy paper and detailed plan to ensure all Canadian children learn to swim by the end of Grade 3, one that outlines the expected funding and involvement of municipal, provincial and federal government.

Other attendees included:

Senator Don Meredith, MPs David Christopherson, Carolyn Bennett, Olivia Chow, and Joan Crockatt, Donna and Meimei Weston

More on Swimming:

• Swimming is a great form of moderate physical activity – adults need 2.5 hours of moderate activity per week.
• Four hundred Canadians drown every year – these deaths are often preventable with swimming lessons, even starting at age 2. Drowning happens fast; sometimes in as little as 2 minutes.
• Swimming is a great sport for families; it is free and accessible

-30-

John’s speech:

John’s Remarks for National Life Jacket and Swim Day
May 6, 2013

 Welcome everyone to the Second National Life Jacket and Swim Day!  We will hear a few words about this topic and then move over to Centre Block at 4:00 to put on the lifejackets and get a quick picture.  Feel free to help yourself to refreshments over there.

1.  Power of collaboration
The best things I’ve ever accomplished in life have come about from working together with great people who influence those around them in a positive way and, in doing so, set the world on fire with their passion and their energy.
 That has been my experience with Pierre Lafontaine ever since I encountered him on a serendipitous flight across Canada.  There he was, sitting humbly in Economy Class, alive to the opportunity.  And somehow he thought by taking me captive for five hours he could convert me into a force for good against the “Evil of Inactivity”.
 Ever since, Pierre has worked with me, showing up religiously on Thursday

mornings to get MPs of all parties in the Chateau Laurier pool together.   He will be the first one to tell you – his greatest joy is not attracting good athletes, but bringing in people who may have swum little or none before. 
 
A great coach in every way, he has built constantly on the foundation by bringing together ever widening circles of like-minded people who have together created National Life Jacket and Swim Day on the Hill, along with companion events, such as Bike Day on the Hill, June 3rd, and, even more ambitious, National Health and Fitness Day, on the first Saturday in June.
 
Thank you, each one of you, for answering Pierre’s call, to work together to make Canada the Fittest Nation on Earth. 
 THANK YOU LIST:

• Kirsty Duncan and Peter Stoffer
• Honorable Bal Gosal, Minister of State for Sport
• Canadian Tire’s JumpStart Foundation –represented by Marc Wolvin
• Master’s Swim Canada – Robin Ouimet
• Canadian Para and Olympic movement – Brianna Jennett-McNeill
• Red Cross – Rick Chiasson
• ParticipAction, Sports Matters Group, Physical & Health Education Canada, Canadian Parks & Recreation Association, Heart & Stroke Foundation, Canadian Inter University Sports, and many more

2.  Importance of physical activity for all Cdns

• Participation in physical activity is declining in Canada
• The majority of adults and children do not meet the National Physical Activity Guidelines ie. two-thirds of Canadians adults do not meet the Guidelines and 93% Canadian children and youth do not meet them.
• Approximately one in four Canadian adults is obese and the proportion of older teens with a waist circumference that puts them at increased risk of health problems has more than tripled in the last 25 years.
• Obesity and physical inactivity are associated with chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease and they cost several billion dollars each year in direct and indirect costs.
• Evidence suggests that physical activity also has a positive impact on emotional well-being and mental health.
• Important contributors to healthy behaviour are role modelling and cultural expectations of family and friends facilitated by environmental supports. 

3.  Swimming as a key sport
 Others here today can speak better to the virtues of swimming.  Let me just observe, for those who are not regular swimmers, a pattern consistently repeats itself in my experience.  The first 10 lengths are never fun.  They make me feel slow, unstreamlined, and wondering why I’m even there.  But my swim days are my best days in the House, full of energy, girded by creative thought, and ready to face the most daunting or the most tedious adversary. 
 
I beg you, if you’re looking to add zest to your life and you’re not already doing it, get those swim trunks on!

To Watch the full version including the debates after the speeches please click here.

Official Transcript:

Mr. John Weston (West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country, CPC):  

    Mr. Speaker, we live in an extraordinary time. Canadians are consistently expressing gratitude for our economic blessings. Again and again, we hear evidence why our economy, under our Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, and this Conservative government, is truly the toast of the world. The evidence is clear: over 900,000 net new jobs since July 2009; the best debt-to-GDP ratio in the western world; and an investment climate which Forbes magazine calls number one in the world.

    My purpose in rising today is to highlight aspects of the environment which are integral to our economic success and which figure prominently in budget 2013. I hope by the end of this debate that my colleagues will share with me the notion that the environment is the economy; a notion that goes beyond the more traditional paradigm that suggests the economy and the environment must be in balance.

    I am delighted to work in a House where we have a Minister of the Environment who has worked relentlessly on improving climate change, both domestically and internationally. He has done a sector-by-sector effect of GHG assessment, recorded great accomplishments in responsible resource development, and with his predecessors has increased our parkland by over 50%. These are amazing accomplishments.

    Every time we consider whether environmental and economic factors are in balance, we are suggesting that the environment and the economy are in conflict with one another. Another way to articulate this supposed polarity is that the one must make sacrifice for the other to advance. In other words, we tend wrongly to start our discussion from the notion that the economy and the environment are at war with one another.

    In encouraging Canadians to rethink the economy and the environment, let us have a look at the importance of this discussion. The organization ECO Canada, a foundation which was founded in 1992 and is the country’s largest online resource for environmental jobs, training and recruitment, says that some 682,000 jobs in Canada are directly related to the environment; that is, the people in those jobs spend 50% or more of their work time relating to the environment. That is a staggering number.

    Today I would like to point to our budget to reset the discussion around the notion that the environment is the economy. As we perhaps discuss the quality of life of Canadians, instead of how the economy and the environment are struggling against one another, our budget in its genius brings out many ways in which this government views our economy and our environment to be interrelated and coexisting.

    Starting with this, let us call it a fresh view of the interrelated environment and economy, how can we continue with policies of economic growth? How must our processes be designed to evaluate infrastructure projects that might facilitate responsible resource extraction?

    Constituents of mine, as individuals and in groups, have consistently expressed their support for Canada’s economic success but have also stood for responsible environmental practices befitting of a riding which many call the most beautiful place on earth. Some of these proud Canadians include David Bromley, a world-renowned environmental engineer; the Sea to Sky Fisheries Roundtable coordinator Dave Brown; Carl Halvorson of the North Vancouver Outdoor School, based in Squamish; and Squamish First Nation Elder, Randall Lewis. Other groups and individuals who have articulated to me clearly the priority they put on fisheries habitat issues include the West Vancouver Streamkeeper group, including leaders such as John Barker and Mike Akerly, the Pacific Salmon Foundation, and the Future of Howe Sound Society.

    What is in this budget for fisheries? In the past and current sessions of this Parliament, ministers of fisheries and of the environment have visited our riding and have heard directly from stakeholders, such as those of whom I just spoke. They have heard loud and clear about the importance of protecting fish habitat.

    I am, therefore, especially proud to highlight two provisions in this budget which would respond directly to concerns such as those raised by these constituents.

    First, Ottawa would contribute $10 million over two years, across Canada, for partnerships with local groups on fisheries and habitat conservation measures. That is something that my colleagues and members right around this House ought to be rejoicing about. There is a direct relationship between this budget and the millions of Canadian volunteers, anglers and recreational fishers who would benefit from this excellent measure.

   (1600)  

    Second, the Vancouver-based Pacific Salmon Foundation would see its funding increase from about $300,000 a year to $1 million a year as a result of changes in how the government would allocate revenue from the sale of conservation stamps that fishermen would have to purchase when they acquire licences. The Pacific Salmon Foundation is one of the best organizations in Canada in terms of galvanizing volunteers and leveraging government funds many times over, so I am delighted that this foundation has made its voice heard in such an effective way.

    Let us look at conservation and biodiversity. John Fraser is in Ottawa today. He is a former minister of fisheries and of the environment. As you know, Mr. Speaker, he is a former Speaker of the House, whose 1991 decision influenced your recent decision concerning members’ statements in the House. Mr. Fraser is one of many Conservatives who have created a strong environmental legacy. Among other things, he assisted former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney in creating the acid rain treaty with the Americans to clean up our Great Lakes, and he contributed to the founding of a national park in what we now know as Haida Gwaii. Therefore, with the distinguished Mr. Fraser on Parliament Hill today, it is especially meaningful to refer to the remarkable record of this government regarding conservation and biodiversity.

    Environment Canada’s collaboration with the Nature Conservancy of Canada and other organizations has resulted in the protection of more than 354,000 hectares, including habitat for 146 species at risk. Our investments include $10 million to safeguard the Flathead River Valley in British Columbia. Since 2006, the Government of Canada has added 148,754 square kilometres to Parks Canada’s network of protected areas, which is a tremendous accomplishment for this Minister of the Environment and his predecessors. As a result, we have increased the total land and water that comes under our stewardship by more than half. The government’s investment of $143 million over 10 years to create Canada’s first national urban park in the Rouge Valley of Toronto is a fine example of action. John Fraser will be happy to hear that we are carrying on his great environmental legacy.

    What would be in the budget for the environment generally? Well, environmental concerns in B.C. would focus heavily on tanker safety, and Canada is a world-class regulator with an almost unblemished record of tanker safety on the west coast. The Government of Canada would take further action to ensure it continues this world-class tanker safety system for shipping oil and liquefied natural gas safely through Canada’s waterways before any major new energy export facilities become operational. New measures would strengthen Canada’s current system, including increased tanker inspections, new and modified aids to navigation, and the establishment of a Canadian Coast Guard incident command system, which would allow it to respond more effectively to an incident and integrate its operations with key partners. The government has also introduced the safeguarding Canada’s seas and skies act, and a new expert panel to review Canada’s current tanker safety and proposed measures to strengthen it.

    With the new Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, we would provide greater certainty for industry at the same time as increasing penalties in order to ensure compliance. This would allow our natural resources to be developed in a responsible and timely way. We would work to ensure accountability and transparency from industry by conducting a review of industry reporting through the national pollutant release inventory.

    These are other concrete examples of Canada strengthening its environmental protection, and there is more. The National Energy Board inspections of oil and gas pipelines would increase by 50% annually to improve pipeline safety across Canada. Canada would double the number of comprehensive audits of oil and gas pipelines to identify potential safety issues before they occur. New enforceable environmental assessment decision statements would ensure that proponents of resource and other economic projects would comply with required mitigation measures to protect the environment. New administrative monitoring penalties would be introduced for violations to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, the Nuclear Safety and Control Act and the National Energy Board Act to help ensure compliance. Companies that violate Canada’s environmental laws would now face strong, stiff, new financial penalties.

    If members agree with me that the environment is the economy, they will note what the next provision means in terms of its distinctiveness from the previous Liberal approach on the environment which focused on endless debate, vague objectives and unenforceable provisions.

   (1605)  

    In contrast to that previous Liberal approach, budgets of this Conservative government have created a $1.5 billion trust fund to help provinces and territories invest in major projects that clean our air and result in real GHG emission reductions.

    This government is committed to reducing Canada’s total GHG emissions by 17%, from 2005 levels, by 2020, and is halfway to meeting its target, a target that is inscribed in the Copenhagen accord. That is concrete and measurable evidence of progress on the environment.

    The government is also following a sector-by-sector regulatory approach to align with the United States to achieve GHG emission reductions. To date, stringent regulations to reduce GHG emissions in the electricity and transport sectors have been implemented. In addition, work is also under way to develop regulations for the oil and gas sector.

    Our environmental approach is comprehensive and will continue to include actions that create a cleaner healthier environment, improve the lives of Canadians, and support the development and deployment of new environmental and cleaner energy technologies.

    Let us look at a bit more of our history. To maintain a strong economy, Canada requires a healthy environment that provides sustainable resources and supports a high quality of life. That is why our government is committed to ensuring that Canada’s enviable and pristine environment, never better evidenced than in the riding I represent, is protected and strengthened for current and future generations.

    In conclusion, our government listens to stakeholders and is convinced that the environment is the economy and that we are acting in measurable ways to protect it. Secondly, our government is protecting our fisheries. Thirdly, our government is making improvements on environmental protection in a practical and measurable way that allows for responsible resource development.

Winners for school district 45

Winners for school district 47

Winners for school district 48

More on the MP Book Awards:

Three years ago, a group of enthusiastic volunteers created the MP award for writing. Many schools in School District #45 participated and the submissions were extraordinary. This contest has grown to be a very popular and educational event for students in Grades 6 and 7, in which they write a 400 words essay on an open-ended and thought-provoking topic. The contest is judged by an independent panel of education experts. This year, the project expanded and the contest is now being entered by other school districts of the riding.

1^st Place – Qayam Devji                     West Bay Elementary

2^nd Place- Piper Kufeldt                         Westcot Elementary

3^rd Place-Aydin Rezazadeh                    Gleneagles Elementary

Honourable Mention Ryan Stack           Caulfeild Elementary

Honourable Mention Nadia Chigmarott   Westcot Elementary

- MP Book Awards at the West Vancouver Library, May 3rd

Here is Qayam Devji’s essay; Winner for SD45:

1st place Alexis Schofield          Henderson Elementary School

2nd place Sydney Ford                Henderson Elementary School

3rd place Hunter Baillie               Henderson Elementary School

Here is Alexis Schofield’s essay; Winner for SD47:

1st Place – Jenna Tobias        Myrtle Philip Community School

2nd Place – LaurenWentzel     Myrtle Philip Community School                          

3rd place-Tessa Furey             Myrtle Philip Community School

Here is Jenna Tobias’ essay; Winner for SD48:

According to Health Minister Leona Agukklaq, some of the main sources of drugs for addicts are family medicine cabinets, where unneeded, expired prescription drugs often languish.

In a statement released on Friday, Ontario Provincial Police cited studies indicating that 24 per cent of teenagers surveyed admitted abusing prescription drugs within the previous year, and most of them had found the drugs at home.

National Prescription Drug Drop-Off Day aims to reduce the volume of prescription drugs available for misuse, as well as to inform the public of the harm they can cause, including accidental overdose and sometimes death.

Prescription drugs ending up in the wrong hands can also lead to health care fraud, pharmacy robberies, impaired driving and drug trafficking, the government said.

“I’ve heard heartbreaking stories of abuse and addiction. Our government has listened and we are taking action,” Aglukkaq said at a press conference to announce the initiative on Thursday.

As part of a government crackdown on the growing problem of prescription drug abuse, “police must now be notified of any unexplained loss or theft of these drugs,” she said.

“I encourage all Canadians to do their part,” she added.

Addiction counsellors and pharmacists will also be on hand at the drop off sites on Saturday to offer advice and let people know what they can do to reduce the risk of prescription drug abuse, including returning unneeded or expired drugs to pharmacies.

Although the initiative is just one day, the government is hoping it will sow the seeds for greater awareness and action against drug abuse.

“My hope is that this is not only going to be a recurring day in our country, but it will create a recurring ethos that we know that we can take back unused prescription drugs,” Vancouver Conservative MP John Weston said at the press conference.

A similar pilot programme in Niagara last year saw members of the community turning in 415kg of medications, OPP Deputy Commissioner Scott Todd said