OTTAWA REPORT

November 6, 2013 · 0 Comments

By Lois Brown, MP
Newmarket-Aurora

Lest We Forget
Every year on November 11, Canadians pause in a silent moment of remembrance for the men and women who have served and continue to serve our country during times of war, conflict and peace.
It is a day when we show our gratitude for their courage and sacrifice. It is also an opportunity to attend a Remembrance Day ceremony, visit a cenotaph, thank a Veteran in person, and wear a poppy with pride.
2013 is the Year of the Korean War Veteran, and Canada proudly remembers the heroes of the Korean War sixty years ago, and their brave fight to defend the Republic of Korea and uphold freedom, democracy and the rule of law.
This November 11, please join me in saluting all the brave men and women in uniform who have given so much for the freedoms we enjoy today and those in the Armed Forces currently on missions at home and abroad.

HOC Page Program for Students
If you are beginning full-time university studies in the Nation’s Capital Region this fall and are interested in Canada’s Parliamentary System, then the House of Commons Page Program may be for you.
House of Commons Pages are selected from high schools and CEGEPS across Canada. This year one of Aurora’s very own high school graduates, a former volunteer in my constituency office, is working as a Page. They play a key role in the communications network on Parliament Hill and professional, non-partisan, efficient service has become a hallmark of the Page Program.
Successful candidates are contracted to work for one year, beginning in late-August 2014. They work a minimum of 15 hours a week and their hours are coordinated with their university schedule. For more information, visit www.parl.gc.ca/cdcpage. Deadline to apply for the 2014 Page Program is Monday, December 9, 2013.

Parliamentary Guide Program for Students
Recruitment for the 2014 Parliamentary Guide Program is underway. From Victoria Day to Labour Day, the program offers university students the unique opportunity of working on Parliament Hill to acquire new skills and at the same time ensures that thousands of visitors have access to guided tours of Parliament. For more information visit www.parl.gc.ca/guides. Deadline to apply to this program is January 15, 2014.

Food Safety Awareness for Consumers
Canada’s Minister of Health has announced improved communications tools to help consumers better understand information about food safety and food recalls. Food recall warnings will be clearer and easier to understand. Other enhancements include an expanded use of twitter (@CFIA_Canada) and facebook and automatic email notifications of food recalls and allergy alerts. Visit www.inspection.gc.ca for more information.

Canada Summer Jobs Deadline for Employers
Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) is an initiative that helps students gain the skills and experience they need to be successful, while earning money for the upcoming school year. It also helps employers create much needed summer job opportunities for students, while strengthening the local economy. Non-profit employers are eligible for up to 100 per cent of the minimum hourly wage, while public and private-sector employers are eligible for up to 50 per cent of that wage. All applicants may be eligible for additional funding up to $3,000 for each student with a disability who is accommodated in the workplace.
The deadline for CSJ has changed and is earlier than in previous years. This year, applications will be available online beginning December 2 and must be submitted before January 10, 2014. This new timelines mean that successful employers will be notified sooner and have more time to recruit students. If you are an employer interested in providing a student a summer job next year, please visit www.servicecanada.gc.ca or contact my office.

On Track to Balanced Budgets
Statistics Canada’s announced that Canada’s real gross domestic product rose by .3% in August – well ahead of expectations. Almost all industrial sectors registered growth. Canada continues to have the best job record in the G-7, the lowest debt levels in the G-7, and among the strongest projected economic growth in the G-7 going forward.
As the Canadian economy continues its recovery from the global recession, our government is turning its head to the next step in the process – transitioning back to long-term balanced budgets starting in 2015. The deficit continues to decline without raising taxes. In fact, we have cut taxes over 160 times since forming Government, including cutting the GST from 7 to 5 per cent and lowering personal taxes.
The effect of our tax cuts is that government revenue as a percentage of GDP is at its lowest level in over 50 years. When government is more efficient and effective instead of large and bloated, that means more money in the pockets of Canadian families and business – where it belongs.

If you would like to contact me on any issue, please call 905-953-7515 or visit my website at www.loisbrown.ca. I look forward to hearing from you.