RCMP - Local Children

Contributed - May 28, 2007 / 9:12 am | Story: 30209

RCMP Continues its Good Work on Behalf of Local Children.

On May 9th, local celebrities and numerous volunteers joined in with the RCMP at local McDonald’s Restaurants and served, slopped and smiled their way into raising money for a wonderful charity called Cops for Kids. Cops for Kids will receive a portion of the $3.4 million raised by communities across the country for local children's charities. These funds will benefit more than 170 children's charities across Canada, helping to support thousands of children in need.

The Cops for Kids Charitable Foundation was established by members of the Kelowna Royal Canadian Mounted Police in 2001 as a means of raising money to benefit children in our community.

Cops for Kids organize a variety of fundraising events throughout the summer and fall but the main fundraising event is the annual Cops for Kids bike ride where RCMP detachments throughout the Southern Interior work together to benefit children's charities in our communities.

Despite some of the latest events that have plagued the RCMP – it is important to remember that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police have a proud history of serving our communities in the Southern Interior.

Thank you to all who participated in supporting McHappy Day in the communities of Kelowna-Lake Country and for providing Cops For Kids with the support it requires to assist children in our communities to lead a better and more fulfilled life.

Permanent Residents Need Valid PR Card To Travel Outside Canada
In July 2007, permanent resident cards (PR cards), a vital document for Canadian permanent residents who are travelling back to Canada, will begin expiring. The Government of Canada is advising Canadian permanent residents to check the expiry date on their card to make sure they aren’t left in the lurch during the busy summer travel season.

The PR card confirms the holder’s permanent resident status in Canada. Permanent residents who travel outside Canada must show the card before boarding commercial transportation (plane, train, boat or bus) when returning to Canada.

Without a valid PR card, permanent residents will not be allowed to board, and will be referred to the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate to obtain a permanent resident travel document. This will result in delays and could mean significant additional travel costs.

Permanent residents can obtain a new PR card by completing the application forms available online at www.cic.gc.ca or by calling 1-888-242-2100 (toll-free). Applications are currently being processed within 6–8 weeks of receipt at the Case Processing Centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia.

The PR card was introduced for new immigrants to Canada on June 28, 2002, with the implementation of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. The cards are valid for a five-year period, but in exceptional circumstances, some expire after one year. Permanent residents who have obtained Canadian citizenship no longer need a PR card.

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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