Local Vets win

Contributed - Dec 7, 2013 / 5:00 am | Story: 104142

On November 28th, I was pleased to be able to announce that Kelowna will be retaining a Veterans Affairs Client Service Agent in our community.

The news came as a great relief to our local Veterans, especially Legion Volunteer Service Officer Frank Truman. I have had a chance to work with Frank over the years and I want to thank him for his commitment as a liaison between our Veterans and Veterans Affairs. Frank was very happy to hear the news that he and other Vets will have an experienced Veterans Affairs staff member available to them to help with benefit applications and access to services.

I have also alerted the Minister’s office to the importance of reinstating proper signage at the Kelowna Service Canada building to ensure that local Veterans know that face to face assistance is available at this location.

This announcement enhances a number of ongoing available personalized benefits such as home visits by a registered nurse or case-manager, and help with home maintenance including grass cutting, snow clearing and home cleaning services.

The cooperative effort between the public servants in the Departments of Service Canada and Veterans Affairs is assisting the Government in putting the needs of our Veterans first and will provide local Veterans with the face to face contact they have requested.

By recognizing the needs of our local Veterans and their families, Veterans Affairs Minister Julian Fantino is demonstrating the federal government’s willingness to continue to make improvements to support the men and women who have served Canada to ensure they receive the very best assistance possible.

Build In Canada

On November 21, 2013, our Government announced the fourth Call for Proposals for the Build in Canada Innovation Program (BCIP)

The BCIP was launched in 2010 as a pilot program to connect Canadian companies with federal departments who are looking for new ideas and products. By selling to the federal government, businesses receive support to get innovations out of the lab, and into the marketplace. That kick-start means that they can potentially generate future sales outside of government both in Canada, and around the world.

The program also now includes a military procurement component. It is in Canada’s interest to have a strong defence industry right here at home that can help meet the needs of the Canadian Armed Forces and compete with the best in the world.

Our Government supports innovation and entrepreneurship in Canada, starting with the ideas that begin in small businesses in communities just like ours.

If your company has a proposal, submit it! You have until January 7, 2014. Information is available at buyandsell.gc.ca/tenders.

Canada Summer Jobs Application Deadline Extended

For many years, Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) has been helping local employers create much-needed summer job opportunities for students. CSJ provides funding for not-for-profit organizations, public sector employers and small businesses to create summer jobs for full-time students (15 to 30 years old) who intend to return to their studies in the next school year. It helps students gain the skills and experience they need to be successful, while earning money for the upcoming school year.

Applications are now available online and must be submitted by January 31, 2014. This year’s new timelines mean that successful employers will be notified sooner and have more time to recruit students.

More information about Canada Summer Jobs is available on the Service Canada web site at www.servicecanada.gc.ca .

Update on Rail Line

As you know the community has come together to find a solution to save the rail line from Kelowna to Vernon. Local entrepreneurs, elected officials, and grassroots organizations have all been working to find a way to save this important economic corridor.

I’m pleased to be able to report that CN has confirmed they have received several Expressions of Interest and will proceed with the next steps to allow interested parties to present conditional offers on the line until January 30th, 2014.

Proponents will be required to provide a 10 year marketing, operating and capital plan, including $25M of necessary insurance coverage for general liability and property damage, and a letter from a recognized financial institution assuring the financial capability of the candidate to complete the transaction.

The goal is see the railway line up and operating again and to see an extension of the recreation “Rails with Trails” corridor. Ultimately, the challenge comes down to economic viability and having the resources to sustain these goals over the long-term.

The response by all involved has been outstanding so far and I share the hope in our communities that we can make this happen.

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.

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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