On Friday, September 10th, I was thrilled to host several of my Conservative colleagues for an exciting and informative exploration of Northern Alberta.  Not only were they able to tour the region by helicopter and enjoy a rainy afternoon fishing on the Clearwater River, but that evening the Fort McMurray – Athabasca Electoral District Association hosted a very successful fundraising dinner.  Residents and community leaders had a chance to speak directly with the MPs and to discuss some of the important issues of the day. 

Northern Alberta is one of the most diverse and extraordinary ridings in Canada.  With the expanse of land that my constituency covers, from the high profile oilsands to the agricultural heart of the south, and with the critical need to preserve and protect our untouched wilderness, it really is a place unlike any other.  I trust that my colleagues learned a lot on this trip and that they take this opportunity to speak out to both their own constituents and their federal and provincial contacts, to draw attention to our plight up here.

I really believe that it is important for our elected leaders from right across the country to understand not only the magnitude and economic impact of the oilsands, but also the challenges facing forestry and agriculture in our region. I continue to fight for more positive federal and provincial attention and of course for more funding, in order to ensure that our quality of life and community continues to improve right across our unique region.

I will be back in Ottawa on September 20th for Parliament’s fall session. On September 22nd the vote of the Opposition motion to defeat the private member’s Bill C-391 to get rid of the Long-Gun Registry will take place. I will be voting, as the vast majority of Northern Albertans have urged, to bring Bill C-391 back to the House of Commons for its third reading and to pass it into law.

Unfortunately, as you may have heard, Michael Ignatieff will insist on a whipped vote meaning the Liberal MPs who previously voted to get rid of the gun registry are being forced to vote to keep it. Some of the NDP MPs who voted to get rid of the gun registry are changing their minds as well. It’s regrettable that these MPs aren’t listening to their constituents and will not vote to support the people they represent.

My colleague Candice Hoeppner has created a website to give information and ideas on how you can support her private member’s Bill C-391. Please visit:  http://www.scraptheregistry.ca and add your support.





NEWS FROM OTTAWA

Diane Ablonczy, Minister of State for Seniors announced recently that our Government is now accepting proposals for local, community-based projects encourage seniors to contribute their skills, experience, and wisdom in support of social well-being in their communities.

• Under the New Horizons for Seniors Program, the Harper Government is supporting community projects across the country dedicated to improving the quality of life of Canada’s seniors. 
  
  
• Our Government has a long record of standing up for Canadian seniors, including:  
• Creating the position of Minister of State for Seniors to bring the concerns of older Canadians to the Cabinet table;
• Providing $2.3 billion annually in tax relief to seniors and pensioners through measures such as income splitting and increasing the Age Credit;
• Standing up against elder abuse in all its forms by introducing the Federal Elder Abuse Awareness Initiative; and
• Establishing a National Seniors Day which we will celebrate every October 1st, coinciding with the UN’s International Day of Older Persons.
  
  
• Canada’s seniors built our country, and they deserve our thanks.  That’s why the Harper Government is working hard to ensure that our policies, programs and services continue to provide opportunities for seniors to improve their well-being and quality of life.