Issues of Importance

Dear Constituents,

Before we all break for the Christmas Holidays, I wanted to report on two very important deadlines which are quickly approaching. I also wanted to report on a couple of issues of importance to our constituency.

On behalf of my wife Jerri, I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, and a safe and prosperous 2013!

1. Celebrate Canada Funding Applications Deadline
The deadline for organizations to apply for Celebrate Canada funding is January 13, 2013. Canadian Heritage provides financial support for activities organized during the Celebrate Canada period, from June 21 to July 1. These activities celebrate National Aboriginal Day on June 21, Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day on June 24, Canadian Multiculturalism Day on June 27 and Canada Day on July 1.
Applications can be downloaded at http://goo.gl/tHBqY.

2. Prime Minister`s Volunteer Awards
The call for nominations for the Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards (PMVAs) was recently announced by the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development. The call is open between December 20, 2012, and March 1, 2013. The regional component recognizes individual volunteers or groups of volunteers, businesses and not-for-profit organizations. The national component is divided into two categories: one for lifelong achievement and one for new volunteers.

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Award recipients will be recognized at an award ceremony, and can identify an eligible not-for-profit organization to receive a grant for $5,000 (regional award) or $10,000 (national award). The Awards recognize the contributions of volunteers, businesses and not-for-profit organizations that help make communities stronger. There are many deserving award recipients in this region, but someone must nominate them. A nominator may be any person or organization with direct knowledge of the nominee’s contribution.

The first recipients of the Prime Minister's Volunteer Awards were recognized at an awards ceremony held on December 14, 2012, in Ottawa. Please visit www.pm.gc.ca/awards for more information about the awards and to access the online nomination form.

3. Waskesiu Chamber of Commerce to Groom Popular Cross Country Ski Trails in Prince Albert National Park

Constituents will be able to enjoy some of the most popular cross country ski trails in Prince Albert National Park this winter, thanks to the assistance of the Waskesiu Chamber of Commerce and local volunteers. While I was quite frustrated by the Park`s lack of consultation on this issue, I am quite pleased that a solution amicable to both the Park and to its visitors was reached.

I would like to thank Environment Minister Peter Kent for his assistance in this matter. I strongly appreciate his ear and his attention over the past few weeks regarding the end of ski-trail servicing at the Park. I would also like to publicly thank the Waskesiu Chamber of Commerce for undertaking this important task.

Visitors can continue to enjoy an array of winter activities in Prince Albert National Park including cross country skiing, snow shoeing, wildlife viewing, and ice fishing. Hotels and a restaurant in Waskesiu are open. Roadways and parking lots are being cleared and washroom facilities are available. Park information, including updated trail condition reports, will be available on the Prince Albert Nati onal Park website at www.parkscanada.gc.ca/princealbert, or by calling 306-663-4522.

As always, visitors are advised to use caution and be prepared for changing weather conditions when enjoying outdoor recreational activities, especially during the winter months.

4. Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Presentation
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her Diamond Jubilee in 2012, marking the 60th anniversary of her reign. The Queen has dedicated her entire life to the service of others, and has always held our country and all Canadians in the deepest pride and affection. This is a truly special occasion. Only once before has our monarchy celebrated a Diamond Jubilee in 1897, under the reign of Queen Victoria. And it will not happen again in our lifetimes.

It was The Queen Elizabeth II`s wish that this special anniversary be used to recognize the many people in the Commonwealth who dedicate themselves to service in their community. So it is most appropriate that the following individuals are recognized as they have made a mark on our communities because they have served others with passion and compassion.

Only 60,000 Canadians will receive one of these Medals. And while that seems like a large number, it is a very exclusive group when you consider that millions of Canadians volunteer time and talent day-in and day-out.

I had the privilege of presenting the following 26 individuals (in alphabetical order) from our riding with Queen`s Diamond Jubilee medals on the 23rd of December in Tisdale and on the 24th of December in Prince Albert. I thank them for making our community a better, safer and stronger place. I will be presenting Queen`s Diamond Jubilee medals to four additional individuals at a later date.