Colin Mayes, MP -- Okanagan - Shuswap - Mayes Minutes

June 10, 2010

Government Happenings

STRENGTHENING THE VALUE OF CANADIAN CITIZENSHIP:

On June 10th, the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, tabled legislation to strengthen the value of Canadian citizenship through proposed changes to the Citizenship Act and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Canadian citizenship is highly valued around the world — both by those who hold it, and by those who want to acquire it for the benefits that it affords.
However, there are those who have obtained their Canadian citizenship through fraud or deliberate concealment of criminal activity, such as war crimes. This is unacceptable and cannot continue.

That’s why our Government is working to strengthen the value of Canadian citizenship by:

Increasing penalties for those who commit immigration fraud as well as cracking down on crooked immigration consultants who encourage potential immigrants to lie on their immigration
applications;

Demanding those who apply for citizenship actually live in Canada for three out of the previous four years prior to their application — unless they are children of Crown servants who
serve Canada abroad;

Improving the Government’s ability to prevent foreign criminals from gaining Canadian citizenship; and

Streamlining the process by which fraudsters or criminals whose citizenship has been revoked by the courts can be removed from Canada.

Canadian citizenship is more than a legal status or passport and through these proposed changes, our Government will ensure that it stays that way.

On June 8th, the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, tabled legislation to protect those who dream of one day becoming Canadians from the dishonest and unscrupulous action of crooked immigration consultants. Canada is the destination of choice for thousands people who want to build a better life for themselves and their families. While the Government of Canada treats all immigration applicants equally, many chose to employ the services of an immigration consultant to assist with their application process. While most immigration consultants are honest and legitimate, some crooked consultants take advantage of would-be Canadians for financial gain. The proposed legislative changes would ensure that only authorized consultants could charge a fee to give advice. The changes would also make the dishonest actions of these individuals against the law before the point when an application is submitted to Citizenship and Immigration Canada — whereas currently, no laws cover this time period. The changes would also give the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration the authority to designate and establish a new oversight relationship with a body to govern immigration consultants.
Canada is the most peaceful, prosperous, and pluralistic country on earth. The contributions of our immigrant communities cannot be measured. Our government is taking the necessary steps to better protect those who aspire to make a better life here in Canada.

Weekly Poll

Last week’s poll results:

Do you agree that our government should scrap the long-gun registry and hire more law enforcement officers with the money saved?

No - 18%
Yes - 81%

This week’s poll question:

Do you agree that our government is moving in the right direction by reforming Canada’s refugee system?

I would like to hear from you on this issue.
You can cast your vote at www.colinmayes.ca.

Meetings & Delegations

The house rose on June 17, 2010 and I returned to the riding for the Summer Break. Since then, I have had full days around the Okanagan-Shuswap.

On June 23, 2010 I attended the Allan Brooks Nature Centre to announce funding from Environment Canada’s Ecoaction Program for improvements to the
BX Creek Watershed and the Coldstream Creek shoreline. This event was well-attended and I look forward to seeing these two important projects progress
in Vernon.

On June 24, 2010 I attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Armstrong/Spallumcheen community pool. This event was a big splash as some of you may
have noticed in the local papers! Congratulations to Armstrong and Spallumcheen on completing such a beautiful recreation destination for their communities. On this
date I also attended the ribbon-cutting for the Caravan Farm Theatre’s new rain venue. Congratulations to Sean and everyone who contributed to build such a
useful addition to the theatre...I am sure it has been put to good use with our recent weather!

Recently, my week was full of events surrounding Vernon’s Funtastic Festival and Canada Day. I attended the Funtastic Celebrity Slopitch game on June 30th with a bit of apprehension as the pressure to perform on the ball diamond is always there! Once I settled in though, it was a wonderful evening of family fun for everyone. Jacquie and I enjoyed hamburgers and hot dogs while the children in attendance enjoyed bouncy castles, fish ponds, and crafts.
This year’s charity recipient was the North Okanagan Youth and Family Services Society.

I spent Canada Day in Blind Bay and Salmon Arm this year. As usual, Blind Bay put on a spectacular parade full of antique cars, music, dancing, and Canadian pride. The Salmon Arm Children’s festival was a huge success again this year. It is always fun to serve cake to the families in attendance and share their pride in being Canadian...

Congratulations to all of the volunteers who make Canada Day and the Vernon Funtastic Festival possible. They are a huge success each year!

Pre-Budget Consultations

Thanks to the rapid and effective implementation of Canada's Economic Action Plan, Canada is on the right track to emerge from the global economic recession powered
by one of the strongest economies in the industrialized world. By key measures—job creation, economic growth, stability of our financial sector, and relatively low
public debt—Canada is performing better than the United States and other G-7 countries. What’s more, both the International Monetary Fund and the Organisation for
Economic Co-operation expect that Canada will have the strongest economic recovery of all G-7 countries over the next two years.

As the Government prepares Budget 2011, I personally invite you to make your voice heard as we work together to ensure Canada emerges from the global recession in a
position of strength. The Parliament of Canada’s Standing Committee on Finance is asking for all Canadians to provide their input as part of their annual pre-budget consultation
hearings. Many of the recommendations flowing out of this consultation process are implemented in the federal budget. Businesses, organizations and individuals are invited to
participate in this important process.

However, the deadline to participate is fast-approaching as Friday August 13th is the deadline for written submissions. If you are interested, be advised that
submissions should be no more than 5 pages in length. Also, provide your name or your group’s name along with an address, phone number or email.

Once completed, please send your submission electronically to FINA@parl.gc.ca or mail it to:
Jean-François Pagé, Clerk
Standing Committee on Finance
6-14 131 Queen Street
House of Commons Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6

Additional information can be found online at www2.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?DocId=4630870&Language=E&Mode=1&Parl=40&Ses=3.

With your participation, we will ensure the priorities of our communities will be heard loud and clear.

Local Events

Free Community Yoga—Mondays in July and August at 6pm at Hanson Park in Cherryville. Contact Melanie at 250-547-9091.
Music by the river with Old Man’s Beard at Putula Park, Mara. 7pm on July 22, 2010. Bluegrass, country and jazz. Free.
Enderby Open Air Market – Every Friday from 9am to 1pm at the Maud Street parking lot.

Local Events Listings

The event listing page at www.colinmayes.ca/events continues to be a useful feature for my website visitors, and the listing is filled with exciting events. Most events are family-friendly and free.