Devolin Column
September 21, 2006

Summer’s Over, Back to Ottawa

Before I begin my main topic, I want to say what a great time I had at the 2nd annual Barry’s Ice Cream Sunday in Bobcaygeon this past weekend. In just three hours, my helpers and I were pleased to serve up more than 400 sundaes – well over last year’s total. 

Many in attendance said that the great weather must have been the reason for the big turnout – but I think it was the promise of free Kawartha Dairy Ice Cream that drew the crowd!

Once again, Ice Cream Sunday was a great opportunity for me to meet many of my constituents, and to have a quick chat about what’s going on around the riding. I was also pleased to see a number of municipal candidates from across the riding. I told them that I was enjoying watching them run, after 3 campaigns in less than 2 years myself!

I’d like to thank my staff and the volunteers who made this event possible, including Al Ingram and Earl & Doreen Murray from Kawartha Settlers Village, and Bob Allen and Lloyd Wicks for scooping ice cream with me.

My wife Ursula also deserves a thank you, as does Barbara Wicks for bringing a couple of her goats which made for a nice mini-petting zoo.

I must also add that we couldn’t have done it without the contributions of a number of local businesses such as Burns Bulk Food in Lindsay, Wintergreen Maple & Fruit Syrups in Gelert and Kawartha Dairy. 

Thank you to all for attending – and I look forward to the 3rd annual Ice Cream Sunday on Terry Fox Run day next September!

Now to my main topic, this past Monday marked the return of MP’s to Ottawa following our summer recess; a time when MP’s return to their ridings and immerse themselves in local events and issues.

As you know, a lot has happened since the election last January. I am proud of the way that our government has tackled our priorities one-by-one – and I think the progress we’ve made on many is clear to all Canadians.

For example, just this week we passed a critical Ways and Means Motion that will ensure the implementation of the Softwood Lumber deal negotiated in the spring.

This deal has delivered exactly what Canadian softwood companies and unions have been asking for – an end to the uncertainty of litigation and trade conflict and the immediate reimbursement of over US$4 billion to Canadian forestry companies.

The biggest surprise is that the federal Liberals chose not to support the deal, even though Liberal governments in Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia (who collectively produce 90% of Canada’s softwood lumber) were involved in the negotiation and support the deal.

Nevertheless, there remains much to do in Ottawa, and to this end, the government’s fall agenda will be built on these four pillars: 

· Accountability and Democratic Reform – by implementing the Federal Accountability Act and moving forward with Senate reform; 

· Economic Management and Value for Money – with measures to ensure a strong economy for the long haul including a value for money expenditure review; 

· Environment and Personal Health – with a series of practical measures to clean up the environment, including Canada’s first Clean Air Act; and 

· Crime and National Security – by continuing to implement legislation to make Canada tougher on crime and safer for law-abiding Canadians. 

All of this will make for a busy fall session in Ottawa. I look forward to continuing to represent your interests and values in Parliament, while my staff and I do our best to offer top notch service in the riding.