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MP-Report

Community update

New Horizons for Seniors Program 2014-2015 call for proposals for community-based projects 

The Government of Canada is seeking applications for projects that will help Canadian seniors use their leadership abilities, skills and experience to continue to make a difference in their communities through the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP).

NHSP community-based projects help empower seniors to share their knowledge, skills and experiences with others and support communities by increasing their capacity to address local issues.

The call for proposals will close on Friday, July 4, 2014.

Organizations may receive up to $25,000 in grant funding for projects that address one or more of the program’s five objectives: volunteering, mentoring, expanding awareness of elder abuse, social participation and capital assistance.

For more information on the New Horizons for Seniors Program application process and eligibility, please visit esdc.gc.ca/seniors.

 

Successful 1st Annual Fresh Air Kelowna Cherry Blossom Triathlon

I want to thank the community organizers, sponsors and volunteers who were responsible for the first Fresh Air Kelowna Cherry Blossom Triathlon, which was held on May 4th in Kelowna. For an augural race, it was run flawlessly and the end result was a very successful and memorable event.

Special thanks to race organizers Graham Hood, Malindi Elmore and James Young for bringing together their years of racing experience and their passion for promoting fitness and fun.

Once again our great volunteers and enthusiastic supporters have made Kelowna-Lake Country a great community!!

 

Kelowna Fire/FDM Collaboration Results in Ground Breaking Emergency Information Sharing Initiative

Congratulations to Brian Moore, Dispatch Supervisor with the Kelowna Fire Department and Deputy Emergency Program Coordinator with the Central Okanagan Regional Emergency Program for his integral role in creating a ground breaking emergency information sharing system.

Triggered by his experience during the 2003 Kelowna fires, Brian collaborated with Ed Colin of FDM Vancouver to build a system which allows emergency managers and responders across the country to share real-time situational information to ensure a more efficient and effective response to natural disasters, serious accidents, crime, and acts of terrorism.

The project was funded by the Canadian Safety and Security Program (CSSP), a federal program led by Defence Research and Development Canada’s Centre for Security Science (DRDC CSS) in partnership with Public Safety Canada.

 

Ralph Morrison’s Cross Country Tour Raises Awareness about Bullying

It was my pleasure to welcome Kelowna’s own Ralph Morrison to Parliament Hill on May 14th and to bring attention to his cross Canada road trip to raise awareness about the effects of bullying.

At the age of 52, through his book The Fear Inside, Ralph found the courage to tell his own story about bullying and how he overcame his fear to speak out.

Ralph is reaching out to communities, Boys and Girls Clubs, and especially troubled teens, in the hope that his experience will help those who suffer in silence to find the courage to speak out and begin to heal.

Best wishes to Ralph as he continues his cross-country journey to Victoria, B.C.  I know his three daughters must be so proud.

 

The Passing of Aaron Dinwoodie

I was very saddened to learn of the recent passing of Aaron Dinwoodie, former Central Okanagan Regional District director, colleague and friend.   Aaron was passionate about people and local government and he had an incredible knowledge and respect for First Nations communities. We spent several years working together on various committees and enjoyed many long conversations about politics and life. I know he will be missed by his family and many friends.  Until we meet again my friend!

 

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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