Working For You!
Scott Simms, MP
Winter 2014
CONGRATULATIONS BADGER!
Dear Constituents: First of all I would like to extend my best wishes and a Happy New Year to you and your family. So far, in 2014, we have had a wild year for weather. I hope this newsletter finds you warm and power restored. I want to thank the courageous employees of Newfoundland Power and Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro for their commitment and hard work keeping us safe in our communities. This year will bring many triumphs to our riding, but we are faced with many challenges as well. Housing will continue to be an important issue that requires a great deal of attention from both the Federal and Provincial governments. Seniors are struggling to pay their bills without the proper increases to the Canada Pension Plan or the Old Age Security. We have many great opportunities in our area where we need to continue to encourage growth such as exploring new markets for our crab, shrimp, and groundfish industries. We are attracting new investments each year in our forestry industry, and currently we continue to provide high quality forest products to the world. Over the past few years, we have seen a sharp rise in one of our greatest exports and that is our skills. More of us are now travelling around the world doing the work that is required, mostly in the oil and gas sector. As these issues continue to receive my attention, there is one issue that is of the greatest urgency. The Manolis L paper carrier that lies under water in Notre Dame Bay continues to leak Bunker C and diesel fuel that may cause serious damage to our shores. I would like to commend the Canadian Coast Guard for their on-going efforts to seal these holes and monitor the scene for environmental damage, but a long term solution is desperately needed. I will continue to speak out for the removal of the fuel from the Manolis L, as it is the long term solution that is needed, and I will continue to pressure the Government to seek funding and begin the removal this coming Spring. I wish you all the best and please contact me, at anytime, if you wish to address these or other issues. Sincerely, Scott Simms 2
SCOTT SIMMS, MP
Congratulations Voltfuse! This is awesome!!
Beacon Photo
Alex Henniffent of Grand FallsWindsor recently won the Dragons’ Den and Kevin O’Leary’s 2nd place Award in the amount of $5,000 for his company’s creation of snowboarding headwear and clothing apparel.
With Mayor Churence Rogers Come Home Year Celebrations
www.scottsimms.com Congratulations Vera!
With Mayor Al Hawkins of Grand Falls-Windsor - Kiwanis luncheon
Lt. Gov. Frank Fagan presents Volunteer Award to Vera Penney for 30 years of service Centreville-Wareham-Trinity
Bonavista-Gander-Grand Falls-Windsor
3
INFORMATION CENTRE Veterans Affairs Canada Cenotaph/Monument Restoration Program With help from the Cenotaph/Monument Restoration program, communities and organizations across Canada will be able to restore cenotaphs and monuments that promote and preserve the memory of all those who have served Canada since 1867. Applications for 2014-15 funding opportunities are now being accepted with a deadline for the first quarter to end on April 1, 2014. Please refer to www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/memorials/ cenotaph/guidelines#deadline for specific application deadlines or for more information contact or 1-866-522-2122.
AgriSpirit Fund If your organization is raising money for a capital project, it may qualify for a donation between $5,000 and $25,000 to supplement other fundraising efforts. The AgriSpirit Fund is about enhancing rural communities. Successful projects in the past have included hospitals and medical centres, childcare facilities, fire and rescue equipment, playgrounds, food banks, libraries, and recreation centres. In our riding, past projects include the Trinity Historical Society Inc., Glovertown & Area Playground Development Committee, Helen Tulk & Community Park Committee, Lions Club, Bishop’s Falls, Over the Top Museum, Birchy Bay, and the Gander Bay North Local Service District. Application dates will be announced in early 2014. For further information, visit their website www.fccagrispiritfund.ca Build your community with AgriSpirit 4
SCOTT SIMMS, MP
Canada Post.... More Cuts Many of you have written to my office about Canada Post service cuts in Norris Arm, Bishop’s Falls, Embree, and Newman’s Cove, just to name a few. Canada Post has been slowly cutting Saturday service and trimming hours and service in other ways across the country. Canada Post is now planning to end home delivery in urban communities. In our riding, Grand Falls-Windsor and Gander can both expect to lose this service by 2017, meaning residents will have to go to community “super-boxes” to collect their mail. Also, effective March 31, 2014, the price of a first-class stamp will go from 63¢ to one dollar, an increase of 59%, with lower prices available for stamps purchased in bulk. I have written to Canada Post on numerous occasions expressing my and your frustrations with the on-going cuts and I will continue to fight for this important public service by bringing it up at every opportunity in the House of Commons.
New Federal Election Boundaries Canada’s future electoral districts are now in force, following an October 1, 2013 proclamation. New riding boundaries, including my boundary change from Bonavista-Gander-Grand Falls-Windsor to Coast of Bays-CentralNotre Dame, will be in effect for the next federal general election which can be called any time after May 1, 2014. The next general election is scheduled for October 19, 2015. Three of seven federal ridings in NL have been renamed, and the boundaries of all except Labrador are changing. For more information, the final reports on the Redistribution of Federal Electoral districts are available on Elections Canada website at www.federal-redistribution.ca. Bonavista-Gander-Grand Falls-Windsor
5
House of Commons Rear Admiral (Retired) Fred Mifflin October 29, 2013 Scott Simms Bonavista—Gander—Grand Falls—Windsor, NL Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a man who served this country with honour and distinction, Fred J. Mifflin, born and raised in Bonavista, Newfoundland and Labrador. At the age of 16, he joined the navy, starting as a Midshipman. He rose through the ranks, becoming Commander and finally Rear Admiral. In that time he commanded a total of 10 destroyers. He contributed countless hours and thoroughly enjoyed his time with the Navy League and the Sea Cadets. He then retired from the Canadian Forces but continued his public service. He was first elected Liberal member of Parliament for Bonavista— Trinity—Conception in 1988 and was re-elected in 1993 and 1997. From 1996 to 1999, he was appointed Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Minister of Veterans Affairs, and Secretary of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. His greatest honour of all was being a loving husband to Gwenneth, a father, and an extremely proud and loving grandfather. Fred Mifflin passed away peacefully on October 5, a tremendous testament to public service and above all to his family.
At Scott’s Swearing In Ceremony 39th Parliament - October 2, 2006
6
SCOTT SIMMS, MP
41st Parliament
November 25th, 2013 – Oral Questions Scott Simms: Mr. Speaker, the World Trade Organization did indeed uphold the ban on seal products, one that flies in the face of what is fair trade. Here in the Liberal Party, yes, we do support this appeal. Terry Audla is an Inuit leader, and he said: They're basing it on public morals and, when you do that, then you're in danger of all the other industries being banned.... I mean, who's to say what's more cruel?... Who draws the line? As we speak, they are killing seals off the coast of Sweden, an EU country. My question for the Minister of International Trade is quite simply this. When will he lift the veil of the inhumane animal harvesting practices in Europe? Get tough. Go toe to toe with them. Minister of International Trade-Ed Fast: Mr. Speaker, the member knows that this government has committed to appeal the decision of the World Trade Organization. He should also know that both Canada and the European Union have made it very clear that this issue is quite separate from the negotiations of the free trade agreement between Canada and the European Union. This EU ban on virtually all Canadian seal products is clearly inconsistent with the EU's international trade obligations. This Conservative government is firmly committed to defending the legitimate, economic activities of Canadians. That includes Canada's sealing industry and the coastal and northern communities that depend on the seal harvest.
Bonavista-Gander-Grand Falls-Windsor
7
RIDING PHOTOS
With Selby Mesh - Keels
With Gerald Fitzgerald – Duntara
With Edna & Roy Dalley - Millertown
With Charlie Fry - Charleston
8
SCOTT SIMMS, MP
P
H
O
T
With Ed Osbourne and Fire Chief Gary Harnum - Bishop’s Falls
With Barry Porter at By the Bay Museum - Lewisporte
O
S
With Fire Chief Gary Harnum and Steve Glavine-Bishop’s Falls
Rug Hooking on Fogo Island Community Radio Project
Serving at the Community Breakfast on Gander Day
Bonavista-Gander-Grand Falls-Windsor
9
Letter to the Minister - Manolis L November 13, 2013 The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, P.C., M.P. Minister of the Environment Les Terrasses de la Chaudière 10 Wellington Street, 28th Floor Gatineau, PQ K1A 0H3 Dear Minister Aglukkaq: As the MP for Bonavista-Gander-Grand Falls-Windsor, I am writing with regard to the environmental issues associated with oil leaking from the sunken paper carrier Manolis L, which sunk off Change Islands in 1985. As you are aware, various measures have been utilized by the Coast Guard to stem the flow of oil leaking from the sunken vessel; however, oil continues to be reported on the surface in the area near the wreck. The reports of oil sheens on the water near the vessel continue to be reported to my office and there is grave concern by myself and stakeholders of the pending environmental disaster. I need not point out the dire impact of an environmental disaster this situation could cause to this pristine coastline and the far reaching consequences to the fishery, seabirds, and the tourism industry. I therefore demand that you and your government take immediate steps to have the oil removed from this vessel while it is still relatively intact and possible. This situation is certainly not going to solve itself. Thank you for your attention to this most important matter. Sincerely, Scott Simms, MP Bonavista-Gander-Grand Falls-Windsor
10
SCOTT SIMMS, MP
SCOTT SIMMS—HOUSE OF COMMONS November 26, 2013 Scott Simms Bonavista-Gander-Grand Falls-Windsor, NL Mr. Speaker, I have to rise to that occasion and see how this goes. There is a word in the Newfoundland dictionary called mauzy, M-A-U-Z-Y. It describes a weather phenomenon. I used to be a TV weatherman so I kind of know what I am talking about. Anyway, mauzy usually occurs in the morning. It is like a thick grey fog with a bit of rain in the air so it is very obscured and very hard to see. Visibility is reduced dramatically. What I am getting at is that within the Prime Minister's Office it is very mauzy. The visibility has been reduced dramatically. We cannot see a hand in front of our eyes. That is the word mauzy. It is a bit rainy and a bit wet. It is very uncomfortable in the PMO. Therefore, to say that the greyness that surrounds the PMO is mauzy is an understatement. May 3, 2013 Scott Simms Bonavista-Gander-Grand FallsWindsor, NL Mr. Speaker, my petition, with signatures from across the entire country, is with regard to a vital link for Nova Scotia, as well as the island of Newfoundland, and Marine Atlantic. I would like to thank Mr. Lewis Rideout of Valley Pond for organizing the petition. He did a masterful job. Marine Atlantic provides that vital link between the province, particularly the island of Newfoundland, and Nova Scotia. The petitioners call for the Government of Canada to change the current fee structure to eliminate fees for passenger travels when leaving the island of Newfoundland going to the province of Nova Scotia. Once again, I would like to thank Lewis Rideout for his work in putting this together. Bonavista-Gander-Grand Falls-Windsor
11
Town of Appleton Receives Steel Beam Artifact
This artifact was donated to the Town of Appleton by the Port Authority of New York-New Jersey and the Government of the United States of America. It recognizes the outstanding effort of volunteers in hosting the deserted passengers “Plane People� during the 9/11 Tragic Day, September 11, 2001. Appleton shares this recognition with Gambo, Gander, Glenwood, Lewisporte, Norris Arm and all other communities that helped in any way with the hosting efforts. The Steel has been installed in our Riverfront Peace Park so that residents and volunteers from far and wide can view and reflect on the significance and the effect it had on all of us. This Steel, though torn and bent by the magnitude of the attack and disaster, reflects the strength of our valuable volunteers. 12
SCOTT SIMMS, MP
New Horizons for Seniors 2012-13 Approved Community Based Projects Exploits Valley 50+ Club Gander Lions Club Inc. Happy Adventure Senior Citizens Club Mint Brook Camp and Conference Centre New-Wes-Valley 50+ Club Seniors with a Purpose 50+ Club St. John the Baptist Anglican Church-Wareham The Salvation Army Gander Family Services Trinity Historical Society Inc. Trinity North Seniors 50+ Club
$ 4,407 $25,000 $11,244 $25,000 $22,976 $ 7,350 $25,000 $10,811 $23,750 $15,043
The New Horizons for Seniors Program is a Federal Grants and Contributions program that supports projects led or inspired by seniors who make a difference in the lives of others and in their communities. From encouraging seniors to volunteer, to improving seniors’ facilities and increasing the awareness of elder abuse, the New Horizons for Seniors Program works to better the lives of all Canadians. Since its creation in 2004, the Program has helped seniors lead and participate in activities across the country. For further information funding and eligibility, visit the website at www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/seniors/funding/
Trinity Historical Society Auction & Garden Party
Photo by Edward Vincent
Battle of the Atlantic—Botwood
With Dennis Woolridge, Botwood Councillor, Lloyd Thompson, Legion Veteran, and Jerry Dean, Mayor of Botwood
Bonavista-Gander-Grand Falls-Windsor
13
More Photos
Visiting with the Red Hat Society-Gander Women’s Centre 2013 Gambo SaveEasy Team
Cotton candy anyone?? Botwood Day
With Tracey Traverse, Mike Eastman, Gus Pritchett, Sarah Lush, Miranda Collins, Tara Morgan, Justin Kelly and Darren Penney
Chatting with Gina Brown of Rogers Cable at the Dunk Tank—Gander Day
14
Waiting to be DUNKED!
SCOTT SIMMS, MP
2013 Canadian Tourism Awards The Fogo Island Inn recently won the prestigious National Cultural Tourism Award which was announced in Ottawa on December 3, 2013. Melanie Coates was in Ottawa to accept the award on behalf of the Inn. Congratulations to Zita Cobb and the Shorefast Foundation on this well-deserved recognition!
With Lillian Dwyer, Marion Foley, Wanda McGrath, Christine Dwyer, Amanda McGrath, an Irish Visitor, and sitting is Frank Keefe 2013 Feile Tilting Breakfast
Congratulatory Messages PRIME MINISTER Anniversaries: 25 years or more Birthdays: 75 years of age or more
GOVERNOR GENERAL Anniversaries: 50 - 59 years of marriage Birthdays: 90 - 99 years of age
HER MAJESTY, THE QUEEN Anniversaries: 60 years or more Birthdays: 100 years of age or more Requests must include a photocopy of the birth or wedding certificate
You can arrange greetings by contacting my constituency office nearest you listed on the back of this householder.
Bonavista-Gander-Grand Falls-Windsor
15
GANDER
Audrey Miller Polaris Building Calvin Foote 61 Elizabeth Dr. Gander, NL A1V 1G4 Phone: 709-256-3130 Toll Free: 1-866-663-2626 Fax: 709-256-3169 E-Mail: scottsimmsgander@nf.aibn.com
GRAND FALLS-WINDSOR Cindy Hooper 1A Pinsent Dr. Barry Saunders Grand Falls-Windsor, NL A2A 2S8 Phone: 709-489-8470 Toll Free: 1-866-663-2626 Fax: 709-489-8478 E-Mail: scottsimmsgfw@nf.aibn.com OTTAWA 672 Confederation Building House of Commons Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6 Phone: 613-996-3935 Fax: 613-996-7622 E-Mail: scott.simms@parl.gc.ca
David Graham
WORKING FOR YOU!