Working For You!
SCOTT SIMMS, MP
Winter 2011
Bonavista-Gander-Grand Falls-Windsor
TOWN OF LEADING TICKLES 50th Anniversary in 2011
Leading Tickles Day-August 6th COME HOME YEAR
WORKING FOR YOU! Hello, It has been a very busy year in the House of Commons working on your behalf, and in the riding attending many events and dealing with issues. My priorities for the coming year include continuing my work towards making the EI pilot projects permanent. As well, pension issues for seniors are on my agenda and the recognition of volunteer firefighters, and other emergency responders, for the many volunteer hours of work they perform on behalf of their communities. This would be accomplished through tax credits for accumulated hours of service and is presently being addressed through a Private Member’s Bill. I am in full support of this bill. The fisheries and related issues continue to be a priority. I am happy to see that the Standing Committee on National Defence held hearings on January 31st at Gander and February 1st at St. John’s with an excellent response from witnesses and the general public. I will continue to work on the acquisition of high-speed internet for rural areas in the riding. I have recently written to the Minister apprising him of our needs. High speed internet is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity. Close to 60 communities in this riding still cannot access high-speed internet and that is unacceptable. I am very pleased to see that the Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans has immediately halted plans to de-staff lighthouses in the riding until further consultation takes place on a lighthouse by lighthouse basis. You can view the Committee report on my website. Throughout my travels in the riding, I have met with some town councils and I encourage any municipality or local service district , which has issues or concerns and would like to meet with me, to contact my Gander office. During Hurricane Igor I visited many of the affected areas and saw first hand the devastation caused. I would like to commend the many volunteers including, of course, our volunteer firefighters who worked tirelessly to help those in need. My sincere thanks and congratulations on a job well done. I was also most impressed with the attitude and resilience of those people affected. Also, we will continue to press for better highways in Terra Nova National Park for communities affected, as well as a snowmobile route. Again, this year, my constituency offices have been very busy with a high volume of issues. The contact numbers for my offices are listed on the back of this newsletter. Sincerely, Scott Simms
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SCOTT SIMMS, MP
Member’s Statement—House of Commons Tribute to Captain Frank Paul Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today to pay tribute to a brave Newfoundlander and Canadian, Captain Francis Cecil Paul, better known as Frank. He was born in Badger on July 2, 1956. He joined the Canadian Forces in 1976 as a medical assistant and served with distinction. He helped create the Canadian Association of Physicians’ Assistants. Captain Paul was described as an inspirational leader with a passion for teaching and mentoring. He also had a selfless dedication to the Canadian Forces and their mission. His most recent assignment was with the Field Ambulance unit. At the time of his passing, he was with the Joint Task Force in Afghanistan. Captain Paul was on leave in Ottawa when tragedy struck. He would have returned to his post in Afghanistan just two days after his death. The Canadian Forces have recently recognized his death as attributable to the Afghanistan mission as the 153rd casualty. He will now receive the proper recognition for making the ultimate sacrifice.
New Honorary Colonel Appointments for 9 Wing Gander 9 Wing Gander
103 Search and Rescue
Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) W. D. Mahoney, OMM, CD
Flight Lieutenant Fred J. Moffitt, RAF (Retired)
Bonavista-Gander-Grand Falls-Windsor
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With Leon Hicks and Henry Vokey– 3rd Annual Wooden Boat Conference-Twillingate
Scott in Bonavista
With Patrick Kelly St. Brendan’s
With Christopher Payne Fogo Island
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With Mayor Reginald Penney and Walter Greening-35th Annual Fireman's Ball in Port Blandford
With Harry Harding MHA and NewWes-Valley Firefighter Clayton Janes 35 years of service
SCOTT SIMMS, MP
Scott and Kevin O’Brien, MHA Gander reach $2,200 for the local Food Bank
A NEW RECORD!
Movember Members of Parliament Campaign $24,000 raised for prostate cancer
Many thanks to all who contributed to the campaign! Bonavista-Gander-Grand Falls-Windsor
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First flight lands from Goose Bay, Labrador, at Gander International Airport Congratulations EVAS Air Charters!! Scott with Pat White President/CEO of EVAS Air Charters , Gary Vey, President and CEO of Gander International Airport Authority, and Air Canada Official, Sheila Cluney
2011 Community Celebrations To date we have received only two requests of support for community events this year. If you would like to send out information about your community celebrations in
2011, please contact my Gander office to make arrangements. 6
SCOTT SIMMS, MP
Twillingate Resident Craig Clarke Honoured as 2010 RBC Local Hockey Leader for Newfoundland & Labrador
Steven Stamkos (Tampa Bay Lightning), Craig Clarke, and Neil Skelding (President & CEO RBC Insurance)
Petition Update: EI Pilot Project At every opportunity, I have presented petitions for the EI Pilot Projects in the House of Commons. I will continue to do so in this session of the 40th Parliament. The following pilot projects have been extended:
Packet Photo
The best 14 weeks pilot project which calculates EI benefits based on the highest 14 weeks of earnings over the year preceding a claim is extended until June 25th, 2011. The working while on claim pilot project allows EI claimants to earn a higher amount of allowable earnings; the greater of $75 per week or 40% of the weekly benefit rate is extended until August 6th, 2011. The extended EI benefits pilot project, will provide up to 5 additional weeks of benefits to all claimants is extended until September 15th, 2012.
Visit my website at www.scottsimms.com to read my most recent news release
Bonavista-Gander-Grand Falls-Windsor
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Information Centre
NEW!! NEW!! NEW!! Our toll free number for all offices is 1-866-663-2626
Classroom Resources and Teacher Guides The Parliament of Canada is pleased to offer a comprehensive collection of programs and classroom resources for teachers. Visit their website at www.parl.gc.ca/ education or contact my Gander office to have a detailed brochure sent to you.
Canada Summer Jobs is a Government of Canada initiative that provides funding to help employers create summer job opportunities for students. The application period is from February 1 to February 28, 2011. On-line application is encouraged. Phone: 1-800-935-5555 Website: http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/
Funds are available for organizations that are raising money for a capital projects. Donations between $5,000 and $25,000 can supplement your other fundraising efforts. The FCC AgriSpirit Fund is about making life better for people in rural communities. The application period will begin in May 2011. Phone: 1-888-332-3301 Website: http://www.fcc-fac.ca/en/AboutUs/Responsibility/ agrispiritfund_e.asp
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SCOTT SIMMS, MP
This program funds projects that help improve the quality of life for seniors and their communities—from enabling seniors to share their knowledge, wisdom, and experience with others, to improving facilities for seniors’ programs and activities, to raising awareness of elder abuse. These programs include Community Participation and Leadership, Capital Assistance, and Elder Abuse Awareness. The call for applications is anticipated to open in the Spring of 2011. Phone: 1-800-277-9914 Website: www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/community_partnerships/seniors/index.shtm
Conservation Corps Newfoundland and Labrador provides a variety of programs that focus on environmental and cultural resources:
Including: Climate Change Education Centre Climate Change Club Green Team
Greener Futures Internship Well Aware
For information on their summer student program, Phone: 1-800-729-7265 Website: http://www.ccnl.ca/programs/
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Forum for Young Canadians is Canada’s premier civics education program for students aged 15-18 years old. The Forum brings students to Ottawa for a week of intensive academic adventure immersing them in the exciting world of national politics and public affairs. Participants in the program spend time with 100 other young leaders from coast to coast to coast. Their classroom is Parliament Hill and their teachers are Ministers, Members of Parliament, Senators, senior public servants, members of the national media, and business leaders. For Information, visit the Forum for Young Canadians website for a list of the sessions for 2011 at: www.forum.ca
Bonavista-Gander-Grand Falls-Windsor
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With students of the Air Cadet Power Pilot Scholarship Program at Gander Flight Training
With Sabrina AndrewsGrand Falls-Windsor Winner of the 2010 Duke of Edinburgh Award
With MHA Roger Fitzgerald, Major Terry Feltham (Salvation Army), Mayor Betty Fitzgerald, and Calvin White during the Veteran`s Parade in Bonavista.
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Official Opening of Happy Adventure’s breakwater wharf as part of the Tri-Centennial Celebrations.
SCOTT SIMMS, MP
Mark your Calendars!! Point Leamington Day, July 9th
With Point Leamington Town Council Back row: Nancy Paul, Bruce Thompson, Robert Elliott, Mayor Roosevelt Thompson, Deputy Mayor Cecil Jewer Front Row: Patricia Lanning and Connie Kinden
9th Annual Dean Little Memorial Pee-Wee Tournament - Bonavista
With Dean’s mother, Flossie Little
With Dean’s father, Albert Little
New Canadian Citizens Ceremony-Grand Falls-Windsor
Sue Hickey Photo/Advertiser
Bonavista-Gander-Grand Falls-Windsor
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With Bill Dormody Mayor Al Hawkins Bob Fifield Wayne King Donna Tilley Rick Anstey
Launch of Parkview Village in Grand Falls-Windsor Courtesy of the Advertiser
Roaster Mike Jones New-WesValley
Roaster Trace LeDrew-Gander
Son Jackson did the deed! A pie in my face!
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Still Friends—Scott and son Jackson!!
SCOTT SIMMS, MP
Congratulations to Captain John Russell of Bonavista who celebrated his 104th Birthday on December 11, 2010
With Captain John Russell
Lt (N) Fred Cuff (ret'd), Captain John Russell (104 years old), and Harry Faulkner in Bonavista
New playground at Bishop’s Falls Bonavista-Gander-Grand Falls-Windsor
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Hurricane Igor hits
Ocean Choice International Fish Plant-Port Union
Bonavista Peninsula
Plate Cove East
Road washed out leading to Port Rexton
Road Washed out in Elliston
Road washed out through Trouty
Near Plate Cove West
Aerial view of a washed out road-Hodderville
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SCOTT SIMMS, MP
Scott chats with constituents
Port Union
Military helps rebuild roads and bridges
Igor’s Bridge –Elliston
Amherst Cove
Another washed out road
Bonavista-Gander-Grand Falls-Windsor
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GANDER
Audrey Miller
Polaris Building Calvin Foote 61 Elizabeth Drive Gander, NL A1V 1G4 Phone: (709) 256-3130 Toll Free: (866) 663-2626 Fax: (709) 256-3169 E-Mail: scottsimmsgander@nf.aibn.com
GRAND FALLS-WINDSOR
Cindy Hooper
1A Pinsent Drive Barry Saunders Grand Falls-Windsor, NL A2A 2S8 Phone: (709) 489-8470 Toll Free: (866) 663-2626 Fax: (709) 489-8478 E-Mail: scottsimmsgfw@nf.aibn.com
OTTAWA
Serena Lambe
Suite 1000, La Promenade 151 Sparks Street Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6 Phone: (613) 996-3935 Fax: (613) 996-7622 E-Mail: simms.s@parl.gc.ca
The Town of Dover will be celebrating their 40th Anniversary in 2011. Watch for details in our next newsletter.
Working For You!