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MP-Report

Science funding for UBC-O

As a top priority of the federal government, science and research funding was again front and center when our Minister of State for Science and Technology, the Honourable Ed Holder announced that UBC Okanagan researchers were the recipients of more than $2.6 million in financial grants, fellowships, and scholarships via the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).

The funding helps researchers as they make new discoveries in science and engineering that push the boundaries of knowledge, create jobs, opportunities, and improve the quality of life of Canadians.

Congratulations to Deborah Buszard, UBC Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the Okanagan campus, and all the recipients.

 

Trade and the Investor State Dispute Mechanism

Gus Van Harten has once again been given the opportunity in our local media to share his views on Canada’s trade efforts and the investor state dispute settlement (ISDS) mechanism.

As a long-time member of the Standing Committee on International Trade I have heard similar arguments a number of times from Mr. Van Harten and the NDP which have been rejected by trade experts, including Canada’s chief trade negotiators.

Canada is a leader in dispute settlement transparency. Hearings are open to the public and documents are available on the DFATD's website.

Canada explicitly safeguards health, safety and environmental protections in investment agreements. Nothing prevents the Parties from regulating in the public interest. Nothing allows foreign companies or a Tribunal to force a government to change its laws and regulations.

Foreign investors are subject to the exact same laws and regulations as domestic investors, including those aimed at protecting the environment and ensuring high labour, health and safety standards.

Providing companies that invest abroad, including Canada, with a safe and predictable investment environment and an effective and enforceable ISDS mechanism benefits businesses and provides a clear signal that countries intend to maintain an attractive destination for investment. 

Canadians have been the clear beneficiaries: our overwhelmingly positive trade relationship with the US has resulted in US investments in Canada of well over $300 billion under NAFTA.

Robust investment and trade is essential to supporting Canadian companies, creating jobs, and maintaining strong economic growth.  Our sovereignty is secure and Canada will continue to pursue a robust trade agenda, one that is fair and beneficial to Canadians.

 

Infrastructure Update on Highway Improvements

Infrastructure support is essential to growth in the local and regional economy and many have asked about the status of some of our local transportation projects.

MLA Norm Letnick and I recently met with the BC Ministry of Transportation and were informed that plans are 90% complete for the Hwy 97 Edwards Rd. to Hwy 33, as well as the John Hindle Dr. connection from Glenmore Rd. to UBCO and Hwy 97.  Major intersection improvements on Hwy 97 at Oceola Road are starting this month and expected to finish in the fall of 2015.  Upgrades will improve pedestrian and vehicular safety by installing new crosswalks, acceleration lane, raised centre medians, new signal with left turn advances and more. 

Lastly, Parliament has recessed and I am home working in the riding and meeting regularly with constituents.  If you have any questions or would like to talk about any federal issues or concerns, please feel free to contact me at: [email protected]  or 250-470-5075.

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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