OTTAWA REPORT

July 9, 2014 · 0 Comments

By Lois Brown, MP
Newmarket-Aurora

Supporting Families in Newmarket-Aurora and Canada

A productive and hardworking sitting of the House of Commons has concluded. Twenty Government Bills and five Private Members’ Bills received Royal Assent that helped to deliver on many of our key commitments laid out in the Speech from the Throne last year.
We remain focused on what Canadians care most about – creating jobs and the economy.
Our government continued to work on important economic measures by passing legislation implementing key elements of Economic Action Plan 2014. Building on our record that has seen the creation of over one million net new jobs since the global economic downturn, we supported economic prosperity by connecting Canadians with available jobs and better training the workforce of tomorrow.
We supported families through measures aimed at keeping communities safer with the passage of the Not Criminally Responsible Reform Act, and put the rights of victims first with the introduction of the Victims Bill of Rights Act. With passage of the Strengthening Canadian Citizenship Act, and the Fair Elections Act, the globally-recognized value of Canadian citizenship was safeguarded and the fairness of Canada’s electoral system improved.
Whether it be at the local farmers’ market, along the downtown core, or at the soccer pitch, I hope to see you out and about the riding this summer. If you would like me to drop by your neighbourhood, or have a community event you would like me to attend, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

Funding Available for Trail Infrastructure

I am pleased to announce the launch of the National Recreational Trails Program.
Canada has a vast network of recreational trails which allow Canadians to experience the outdoors and appreciation of our country’s natural beauty. Thanks to a partnership between the Government of Canada and the National Trails Coalition, $10 million will be available between 2014 and 2016 to help expand and rehabilitate Canada’s snowmobile, all-terrain vehicle and non-motorized trail systems.
Local trail organizations across Canada are invited to submit project proposals directly to the National Trails Coalition until August 15, 2014. The Coalition is responsible for selecting and approving projects. Between 150 and 200 projects are expected to be supported across Canada. For more information, visit http://www.ntc-canada.ca/application.php. By investing in trail infrastructure, the Government of Canada is encouraging job creation, linking communities and increasing recreational opportunities.

Canada’s Pro-Trade Plan for Jobs

With the conclusion of the Canada-EU Free Trade Agreement (CETA) and the Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement, the government’s ambitious trade agenda has successfully gained access to half of the global market for Newmarket and Aurora’s businesses and exporters.
In 2006, Canada had concluded trade agreements with only five countries. Since taking office, the Conservative Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Harper, has concluded free trade agreements with 38 additional countries.
The competitive edge and combined access to these markets—and their more than 800 million affluent consumers—will make Canada the envy of trading nations all over the world. Canada is also pursuing trade agreements with more than 24 other countries, including large markets such as India, Japan and the countries that comprise the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement.
Focusing on sectors and markets that offer the greatest opportunity for growth is a priority under Canada’s new Global Markets Action Plan which the government launched last November.

Call for Proposals – Enabling Accessibility
Organizations in Newmarket and Aurora can now apply to the Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) to fund projects that increase accessibility. The deadline for submitting proposals is Friday, August 1, 2014.
Over $8 million in funding is available through this year’s call for proposals. All applications are reviewed against eligibility criteria, call for proposal requirements and program objectives. Since the creation of the EAF in 2007, our Conservative Government has funded over 1,400 projects, helping thousands of Canadians gain better access to their communities’ facilities, programs and services. Examples of eligible projects include renovations to widen hallways and doorways, installing elevators, installing automated power doors, replacing doorknobs that are difficult to grasp with accessible handles, installing accessible washrooms and showers and upgrading facilities that offer programs for adults and/or children with autism and other cognitive/intellectual impairments. •
Economic Action Plan 2013 extended the Enabling Accessibility Fund on an ongoing basis at $15 million per year to improve accessibility in facilities across Canada, including workplaces.

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.