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Buy a poppy & support our veterans

I want to remind everyone that this year’s annual poppy campaign organized by Kelowna-Lake Country Royal Canadian Legion Branch 26(Kelowna) and Branch 189(Oyama) is in full swing, and to encourage everyone to lend their support.

Under the dedicated leadership of John Broughton, 94 years young, Syd Pratt and their tireless team, the poppy campaign raises funds to support Veterans and their families, including education bursaries for our Veterans’ children and grandchildren.

Last year the Kelowna Legion broke a fundraising record collecting $165,000 and hope to break it again this year.

The red poppy is an enduring symbol of collective remembrance which Canadians wear with great pride.

In the days leading up to this year’s Remembrance Day ceremonies, I encourage all my constituents to help our Kelowna and Oyama Legions succeed in reaching their poppy drive goal.

It is important to show our support for our Veterans and the dedicated uniformed men and women who serve Canada. 

As we have learned so acutely in the last weeks, freedom comes at a price and it is our sacred duty to remember them.

 

National Tribute to Canada’s Living Second World War Veterans

The Second World War began on September 1, 1939, when Poland was invaded by Germany.

Following a special session of Parliament, Canada officially declared war on September 10.

This marked the first time Canada declared war of its own accord.

As a young nation, Canada’s involvement in the war effort was a remarkable achievement. From a country of some 11 million, more than one million Canadian and Newfoundland men and women served in the Second World War. By the end of the war, Canada had the third largest navy, the fourth largest air force and an army of six divisions. However, Canada’s losses were tremendous: more than 45,000 Canadian men and women gave their lives, and another 55,000 were wounded.

2014 marks the 75th anniversary of Canada’s engagement in the Second World War. To mark this anniversary, the Government of Canada has created a special tribute consisting of a commemorative lapel pin and certificate of recognition for Canada’s living Second World War Veterans. 

Applications for the Second World War Commemorative Tribute are available at veterans.gc.ca, or by calling Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) at 1-866-522-2212 or visiting any VAC or Service Canada office.

Whether in Canada or on foreign soil, during the First or the Second World War, times of peace or recent conflicts, brave Canadians have fought to defend the values of peace, freedom and the rule of law wherever necessary.

Through the coming years, the Government of Canada will continue to mark significant anniversaries of the Second World War with commemorative events and activities in Canada and overseas, providing Canadians of all ages with the opportunity to join together to honour and show respect for the service and sacrifices of the men and women of the Canadian military. 

Recent events in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu and Ottawa have made it even more important that we express our solidarity for our shared values of peace, freedom and democracy. 

On Nov 11th, I hope you will join our community at one of our cenotaphs in Lake Country, Rutland or join me at Kelowna City Park, and give thanks to all those who have represented Canada so proudly.

We will remember them.

 

The Honourable Ron Cannan is the Member of Parliament for Kelowna-Lake Country and welcomes your feedback at [email protected].  Information on local announcements and federal government programs can be found at www.cannan.ca.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.



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About the Author

The Honourable Ron Cannan was first elected as Member of Parliament for Kelowna-Lake Country in January, 2006. He was subsequently elected in the 2008 and 2011 federal elections. He is a member of the Conservative Caucus.

On September 13th, 2012 Ron was summoned to be a member of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada and will provide advice to the Government as a member of the Priorities and Planning Sub-Committee on Government Administration.

Ron successfully uses his experience and knowledge as a long-time Kelowna City Councillor and regional government representative to be an effective and enthusiastic champion for his riding and his constituents.

His greatest satisfaction comes from helping local organizations and citizens obtain the support they require from Ottawa. 

He is also dedicated to doing what it takes to ensure that the growing and vibrant communities in his riding continue to thrive and prosper.

He is proud of the partnership and cooperation between federal, provincial and municipal governments which have resulted in significant infrastructure projects including upgrades to Highway 97, expansion of the Kelowna International Airport, a new horticulture strategy for fruit growers, obtaining a full service passport office for Kelowna and addressing critical economic issues such as labour skills shortages.

He works closely with the local Chambers of Commerce and once a year arranges meetings for the Chamber with Cabinet Ministers and senior policy staff in Ottawa to move forward important local issues such as crime prevention and labour skills shortages.

He is also an ardent champion for important community initiatives including homelessness, mental health, women’s resources, and support of arts and culture.

On Parliament Hill, Ron has been a member of the Standing Committee on International Trade since 2006 supporting initiatives which will broaden the economic opportunities for local businesses and businesses Canada-wide.

In previous parliamentary sessions Ron has been a member of the Standing Committee for Government Operations and Estimates, Veteran’s Affairs, Human Resources and Social Development, the Scrutiny of Regulations Committee, and the Standing Committee for Fisheries and Oceans.

Ron is also involved in a variety of inter-parliamentary organizations: he is Vice Chair of the Canada-US Inter-Parliamentary Group, and a member of the Canada-Taiwan Friendship group.

As Chair of the Conservative Wine Caucus, Ron works with his colleagues across the country to promote the wine regions of Canada.  Ron tabled Motion 218(formerly Motion 601) which supports direct to consumer purchasing of Canadian wine. His motion became Bill C-311, sponsored by MP Dan Albas, seconded by Ron, which was passed into law on June 28th, 2012.

Prior to entering politics, Ron developed a diverse business background as a small business owner and had several years experience in marketing and sales management working with corporations including Coca-Cola, Costco and Corus Entertainment.
 

Very active in his community, Ron has been a Director for both the Central Okanagan Regional District and the Central Okanagan Hospital Board. Ron also served on the Okanagan University College Access to Training Advisory Board, the Glenmore Elementary School Parents Advisory Council, and the Kelowna Christian School Fund Raising Committee. He was co-founder of the Okanagan Volunteer Festival. Currently Ron is a member of the Sunrise Rotary Club of Kelowna and, along with his wife Cindy, was the honorary Chair of the 2012 Canadian Cancer Society Daffodil Ball.

Ron lives a family-oriented and active lifestyle with his wife Cindy. He is the proud father of three daughters and grandfather to three grandsons. His hobbies include music and sports.



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The views expressed are strictly those of the author and not necessarily those of Castanet. Castanet does not warrant the contents.

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