In the last federal election campaign, the Liberals promised Canadians quality service from Canada Post at a reasonable price.
Moving forward on that election commitment, the government has launched an independent review of Canada Post.
Some of you have contacted me on this issue already, but public input is being sought throughout the review through a variety of channels including email, mail and social media.
To learn more and take part, check out the website Canada.ca/canadapostreview.
Helping Fort McMurray
More than 80,000 residents have been evacuated from Fort McMurray, the largest fire evacuation in Alberta’s history.
The Government Operations Centre (GOC), based out of Public Safety Canada, and our Canadian Forces stand ready to offer assistance.
Four CH-146 Griffon helicopters, one CC-130J Hercules, and a CH-147F Chinook helicopter are currently supporting relief efforts in the province.
Additionally, Ottawa will match individual charitable donations to the Canadian Red Cross in support of disaster relief efforts in the affected communities through the Disaster Financial Assistance Agreement.
If you wish to donate, please go to the website redcross.ca.
Medical Assistance in Dying Legislation
Bill C-14, the Medical Assistance in Dying legislation, has generated a great deal of interest.
Thank you to all constituents who have written to me on this issue and to those who attended the small rally in front of my constituency office.
This is a deeply personal issue for all of us and it is important to understand how the government came to draft the legislation in response to the Supreme Court’s decision.
I encourage constituents to learn more about the legislation by going to the following link at the Department of Justice website: justice.gc.ca/eng/cj-jp/ad-am/index.html?WT.mc_id=AD_NR.
As the prime minister noted, this bill is a responsible first step.
Please be assured the government remains committed to listening to what you have to say and passing legislation that carefully balances the rights of those seeking assistance for medical assistance in dying while ensuring protection of the most vulnerable.
Canada Summer Jobs
The Canada Summer Jobs program is bringing a record number of jobs to Kelowna and Lake Country this summer.
In partnership with local organizations, non-profits and small business, our government has doubled the jobs and financial commitment it’s extending to the program this year.
With federal funding in the amount of $620,194, we have created 206 jobs for youth in our riding.
Summer employment is a valuable way to provide young people with the experience and skills development that will prepare them for a career following life after school. Thank you to all our local employers who support our students.
Congolese Adoption
Since last year, our office has been working with the federal ministry of foreign affairs to help a local family bring their daughter home from the Congo.
I’m pleased to report that the long wait is over.
In a statement, Foreign Affairs Minister Stephane Dion, acknowledged the resiliency and conviction of the 29 Canadian families who experienced a number of difficulties in finalizing the adoptions and bringing their children home.
This success story is an example of what can be accomplished when citizens, government officials, and MPs and senators from all sides of the aisle work together to help Canadians resolve challenging global issues.
Liberal Pacific Caucus
B.C.’s Liberal MPs have established a new Pacific caucus, which will give the region a greater voice in raising issues with the national caucus.
Prior to the formation of the Pacific caucus, B.C. members were part of regional groups that included northern and western Canada.