More Than Just News!
Dawson Trail Dispatch
More Than Trading Partners In July, I had the opportunity to meet with U.S. legislators from across the Midwestern part of the United States to discuss cross-border issues that are important to both Canada and the United States. These talks included the Keystone XL Pipeline, border security and of course, cross border trade. During the meetings, we were able to hear from representatives from some large corporations that are very involved in commerce in both Canada and the United States as well as around the world. One of these companies was the Campbell Soup Company, a very familiar household brand name in North America. They expressed frustration about how regulations between our countries affect their production process. One example was the fact that they were forced to run two separate production lines for their soup varieties because Canadian regulations required that only 19-ounce cans could be used while the United States preferred 16-ounce cans. This regulatory hurdle would seem simple to eliminate but was a barrier for years. Only this year as part of a larger agreement between countries have some of these issues been addressed but many regulatory hurdles remain. One of the messages sent from business to policy makers is that we need to move beyond thinking of our nations as simply partners in trade. To be sure, the trade we do between our countries is critical. We are each other’s largest trading partners. However, things have evolved beyond that according to business leaders who now say we are not just trading partners, we are business partners. We are building and producing things together for the rest of the word. Products and parts that are manufactured will sometimes cross the Canadian and U.S. Border several times until a product is produced. It will then be shipped for export somewhere else in the world. This relationship benefits both of our countries as it creates jobs and opportunities for the citizens of both Canada and the United States. This changing reality might bring about a new mindset as well. As trading partners, there is often a focus on simply our individual interest. When we consider our nations as business partners, there is a greater incentive to work together to ensure that we are maximizing that relationship to the benefit of both our countries. Earlier this year Prime Minister Stephen Harper and President Barack Obama announced a new U.S. – Canada border deal addressing some of the regulatory hurdles that make this business relationship difficult while ensuring border security remained. Many companies already see our nations as not just trading partners but business partners. As those realities grow, more focus will put on ensuring the regulations between Canada and the United States help that partnership flourish for the benefit of both our countries. I appreciate your comments and concerns. If you have any comments on these or other issues, you can contact me by writing, #3 – 227 Main Street, Steinbach, MB R5G 1Y7, by phone at (204) 3265763, by fax at (204) 346-9913, by e-mail at kelvin.goertzen@leg.gov.mb.ca or by visiting my website at kelvingoertzen.com. I look forward to hearing from you.
Budget Bill Suppresses Debate and Declares Federal Veiled Agenda Dear Editor: You have surely heard about Bill C38, the federal government’s budget bill that was just passed at the end of June. This bill was approximately 429 pages long, with more than 750 clauses amending more than 70 federal statutes. Usually, budget bills are around 12 pages long; this year’s budget bill was 429 pages. Furthermore, it makes major changes to essential programs that affect the lives of Canadians. The federal government tried to justify its decision by saying that everything in it is related to the economy. However, the true reason Bill C-38 is so large is so that it can hide the changes it will bring about. This conclusion stems from the fact that Bill C-38 goes beyond issues that are logically related to the budget and makes changes across the board, from retirement to environmental protection. The legislative process for this bill was depressing. It was imposed on Parliament and it undermined the serious role that parliamentarians could have played. There was little debate, the bill was dealt with quickly, there were few hearings and witnesses involved, and all proposed amendments were rejected. What are we here for if we cannot make amendments? Among other things, Bill C-38 does the following: - Amends the Fisheries Act that protects fish habitats to make it legal to engage in activities that harm fish habitats (71 fish species at risk of extinction); - Attacks the Canadian social safety net by making changes to Old Age Security (for Canada’s most vulnerable seniors) and Employment Insurance (without
consulting any of the provinces); - Cuts funding to search and rescue teams across Canada; - Takes power away from independent commissions and Parliament; - Closes regional offices across the country; - Eliminates many control mechanisms that existed independent of the federal government; - Cuts funding to the Aboriginal Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy; - Permanently closes a number of historical sites across Canada; - Encourages people to make purchases in the United States (48 hours), depriving the provinces of millions of dollars of sales tax revenue; - Eliminates funding for the Community Access Program, which provides Internet access, while also changing EI measures to send unemployed Canadians two emails a day to share job opportunities – how can they stay informed without access to the Internet? - Changes the definition of “for charitable purposes” and makes other changes relating to Canadian charitable organizations; - Shuts down the National Council of Welfare; - Removes the requirement to comply with the Employment Equity Act; - Eliminates the requirement to undertake many of the federal environmental assessments; - Makes gradual and unannounced changes in a number of other sectors, attacks human rights, threatens Canadian unity and Canada’s reputation and economic future, and weakens the legislative process. This omnibus bill has serious consequences for Canada. Sometimes it is necessary to impose austerity measures. Again, it must be done transparently and respectfully, taking into account the opinions of interested parties. We, as Liberal Senators, were prevented to do our job properly.
Despite our efforts to act in Canada’s best interests, we were unable to prevent this bill from being passed. We voted according to our principles as this is the raison d’etre of the Senate of Canada. We voted according to our principles. However, is that enough to justify our actions? Maria Chaput, Senator Ste. Anne, MB
Pioneer Days Parade Crowd Expected to be Huge The Steinbach Chamber of Commerce is eagerly anticipating another huge crowd for the annual Pioneer Days Parade, to be held on August 3. The Honorary Parade Marshall this year will be United Transportation Driver Training, this year’s Chamber of Commerce ‘Business of the Year’ award recipient. United Driver Training is the largest driver training school in Manitoba, and the first to offer instruction in five different classes, Class 1 through 5. This year’s theme is ‘Steinbach… Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow.’ “We want to celebrate our past, our heritage, while at the same time looking forward to the future and all the changes that are happening as our city
August 2012
5
Ministers Discuss New Building Canada Fund I had the opportunity to meet with representatives of all 197 municipalities in Manitoba in June to discuss their ideas for the new Building Canada Fund. I was able to utilize these suggestions during the Local Government ministers meeting held in July. This involved the Local Government ministers from across all provinces and territories. At this time, we discussed our thoughts for the new fund in preparation for the roundtable meeting held in Winnipeg with the Federal Minister of State for Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Steven Fletcher. Investment in our infrastructure supports a broad range of services for Manitobans, communities and municipalities. Infrastructure investments are also creating steady growth and new jobs, leading to exciting opportunities and a high quality of life for Manitoban families. I am glad to see that the scheduled resurfacing of Hwy 207 from Deacon’s Corner and through Lorette has been completed. Good roads are necessary for any community to remain economically healthy. That is why our government has committed to our Manitoba Capital plan to spend $4 billion over ten years on highways and bridges. Hwy 207 from Deacon’s Corner to Landmark Corner, Hwy 210, Hwy 311 and the Trans Canada Hwy east from Deacon’s Corner to Hwy 12 are a part of that plan. I am aware that there were some inconveniences caused by the construction happening on the 207 and I do apologize for that. Now we will be able to enjoy our improved road for many years to come. As in past years, the Manitoba Floodway Authority will be closing Courchaine Road to allow work to occur on the Inlet Control Structure. The road will be closed from Turnbull Drive to St. Mary’s Road from July 23 until March 29, 2013. I would like to assure you that the RM of Ritchot, local school divisions and emergency crews have been notified of this closure so that they may plan accordingly and ensure services are maintained for local residents. Alternative bridge crossings are available at St. Adolphe to the south and the Perimeter Highway to the north. Following this year’s work, it is anticipated that the long-term closure of Courchaine Road related to Inlet Control Structure improvements will not be required. I would like to thank you in advance for your cooperation. For more information on the Red River Floodway Expansion Project, please visit the MFA website floodwayauthority.mb.ca or call 945-4900. As always, I appreciate hearing your comments and thoughts on these and other provincial initiatives. I encourage you to contact me by e-mail (rlemieuxmla@mts.net), by phone 878-4644, or by mail at 101-1309 Dawson Road, Box 517, Lorette, MB R0A 0Y0 and together we can continue to move Dawson Trail and Manitoba forward. Editor’s Note: I am trying to guage the sincerity in the above invite to contact Ron Lemieux. I have left 8 messages, both with his constituency office and his Ministerial office for him to call me regarding an important business matter for another company I own that has some concerns about the provincial government’s direction in legislating the industry. It is now going on to 4 1/2 weeks and still no contact. It seems that unless it is election time, a call back is of low importance. Maybe it is time the Dispatch evaluates whether the space we allow for certain MLA’s should be given to other MLA’s who believe that communication with residents is an important part of representing residents. - DG
bigger and better,” she stated. “It gives everyone a chance to get out and meet their neighbor.” The three-day event, which is scheduled to take place August 10 to 12, kicks off with music by Mike Blair and local band, the Ripperz. Saturday starts with a pancake breakfast hosted by the Landmark Kinsmen, parade, hot dog lunch and children’s events. This year for the first time, a mini-Folklorama is taking place with representatives from Chili, Argentine, Cuba and Israel. Former resident Marianne Curtis, author of Finding Gloria, will also be on hand during the afternoon with her best selling memoir. The day will end with a community pork BBQ that starts the evening followed by a dance with music by the Darryl Marsh Band and fireworks. On Sunday, all the churches in The community of Landmark is Landmark invite the community to gearing up for a celebration when a worship service in the park the community invites everyone to followed by a picnic lunch. this year’s annual Friendship More volunteers are needed so Festival. Organizer Cheryl Tremeer is thrilled anyone interested are encouraged with the success of the festival that to call Cheryl at 355-4277 or 3554056. she started a few summers ago. “We always have a great time and we want this year’s festival to be
grows,” said Parade Marshall Kyla Murray. The parade will start at the Fire Hall at 10 am, and proceed west down Main Street. Prizes will again be awarded in six categories based on the theme, Steinbach… Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow, Antique vehicle, Farm Antique, Youth entry, Equestrian entry, and Judges Choice.
Friendship Festival Comes to Landmark