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

November 02, 2010

Government Happenings

Canada’s Economic Action Plan – Success in the West

Canada’s Economic Action Plan (EAP) is working and is helping Canadians through these fragile economic times.

Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is responsible for the delivery of key EAP programs in Western Canada and has made significant progress in delivering results for western communities, industries and businesses.

WD has worked closely with project proponents to ensure the delivery of Community Adjustment Fund (CAF) and Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) projects. WD is on track to

complete the vast majority of projects by March 31, 2011.

Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC)

Almost $150 million in RInC funding has been committed to 718 projects in Western Canada to date.
The federal commitment has leveraged an additional investment of over $410 million from other sources.
Over $50 million has already flowed to clients and 210 projects are complete.
RInC has resulted in the creation or maintenance of 13,104 months of employment, or the equivalent of 1092 full time jobs in Western Canada.*

Community Adjustment Fund (CAF)

Over $290 million of CAF funding has been committed to 314 projects across the west.
The federal commitment has leveraged an additional investment of over $240 million from other sources.
Over $170 million has been spent to date and 21 projects are complete.
CAF has resulted in the creation or maintenance of 25,782 months of employment, or the equivalent of 2,184 full time jobs in western Canada.*

Weekly Poll

Last week’s poll results:

Do you agree with our government’s position that working only 45 days a year as proposed by the Opposition parties should not entitle a worker to Employment Insurance Benefits?

Yes: 74%
No: 25%

This week’s poll question:

In light of the human smuggling of Tamils into Vancouver, do you support our government’s position that those involved in the trafficking of refugees and the owners of the vessels which transport
the refugees should be prosecuted , fined, jailed and their vessels seized? Minimum sentences under the Immigration and Refugee Act provide three years for trafficking 50 and under people, and
five years for trafficking 50 and over.

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

Meetings & Delegations

October 11-15, 2010 was Thanksgiving break week, so I was able to return to the riding(home) for the week to enjoy time with my family as well as time with
constituents. I hope that you all had the opportunity to enjoy a safe and restful Thanksgiving.

On October 12th I was able to spend the day in my constituency office meeting with a variety of constituents and organizations who briefed me on current
events and issues in the Okanagan-Shuswap area. I met with Val Trevis and Deb Leroux from the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce. Val and Deb
provided me with a briefing regarding the current direction and goals the of the Vernon Chamber of Commerce. The future is looking bright for the
chamber with these two knowledgeable, driven businesswomen at the helm.

Co-managers of the soon-to-be Vernon Community Dental Centre provided me with a presentation regarding their clinic which they hope to be opening soon in
downtown Vernon. Their goal is to provide dental and hygiene services to the low-income or uninsured populations of the North Okanagan.

I encourage any local groups or organizations who would like to provide me with a briefing of their projects to contact my office at 250-260-5020 for an
appointment. I greatly appreciate the time and effort of community leaders in keeping me abreast of these events and issues in the riding.

Remembrance Day 2010

November 11, 2010 marks 92 years since the end of the First World War. 92 years since more than 66,000 brave Canadian soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice in
defence of our country. 92 years since the signing of the Armistice treaty between Germany and Allies. And 92 years since silence descended on the battlefields
of the First World War.
Through the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War, the mission in Afghanistan and countless peacekeeping assignments, Canadian troops have always
stepped up to the task with courage, dedication and the determination to stand up for what’s right.
As Canadians, it is our duty to remember. We owe our freedom to the past and present sacrifices of our soldiers, sailors, airmen and airwomen. That’s why in
communities, at schools, and at memorial sites across Canada, we stand and remember the great sacrifices made by our brave soldiers who left the safety of their
homes and comfort of their families to defend Canadian values.
While the battles fought today look much different from the ones fought by our grandparents and great-grandparents, one factor remains the same: Canada’s
soldiers are ready and willing to face danger on our behalf.
But the men and women in uniform aren’t the only ones who make sacrifices. While our brave soldiers cross oceans to fight for a better and safer world, mothers,
fathers, husbands, wives and children are left to make their own sacrifices as they support one another on the home front.
On this year’s Remembrance Day, Canadians will also honour an important historical milestone. On February 18, 2010, John "Jack" Babcock passed away.
Mr. Babcock was Canada's last known Veteran of the First World War, and his passing marks the end of an era in Canada’s military history.
We remember and honour all members of our military who have made sacrifices, both past and present, to preserve Canadian values and help create a better and
safer world for Canadians and people across the globe.
I will be spending my Remembrance Day in Vernon at the Wesbild Centre. I hope to see many of you there. And on behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper
and our Conservative Government, I want to say “thank you” to all those who have served, and continue to serve our great country.
Lest we forget

Local Events

Remembrance Day 2010 Locations:

Lumby: Cenotaph in Lumby Community Park.
Lavington: Cenotaph in Community Park on School Road.
Coldstream: Coldstream cenotaph beside Coldstream Municipal Hall on Kalamalka Road.
Vernon: Wesbild Centre, 3445 43rd Ave, Vernon.
Armstrong/Spallumcheen: Hassen Memorial Arena, Armstrong.
Enderby: Enderby Cenotaph on Mill Road.
Sicamous: Sicamous Cenotaph on Main Street.
Malakwa: Malakwa Cenotaph on Malakwa Road.
Salmon Arm: Cenotaph in Memorial Park.
Sorrento: Cenotaph at St Mary’s Church. 1144 Trans-Canada Highway.
Westwold: Cenotaph at St Luke’s Church on Highway 97.
Chase: Chase Community Hall

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.