Challenges

Contributed - Oct 23, 2010 / 5:00 am | Story: 57737

It was good to spend the Thanksgiving-break-week back in the riding with family, friends and constituents, including some folks who are facing some serious personal and financial challenges.

As many in our community do every year, I joined several volunteers including RCMP Superintendent McKinnon to serve dinner to hundreds of folks at the Gospel Mission.

Thank you to all the individuals and companies who donated food and money in order to be able to provide a hand up for those in their time of need.

Of course a hot meal, while helping to provide a bit of relief, doesn’t resolve the underlying factors which contribute to individuals who cannot support themselves and, in some case, end up homeless.

Providing support like transitional housing and addressing underlying conditions such as mental health issues is a must. That’s why the recent announcement that our federal and provincial governments have partnered with the City of Kelowna and the Canadian Mental Health Association to provide transitional housing was good news. The new Willowbridge Transitional Housing will provide integrated support services for people at risk of homelessness in Kelowna.

I also took the time to hit the streets and go door knocking. Thanks to those of you who took the time to talk with me. Without a doubt your #1 concern is the economy.

Predictions are we are experiencing modest growth in the economy. The key word is “growth”. Even though the growth won’t be as dramatic as it has been, we are holding our own.

As the Government’s 6th report to Canadians on the Economic Action Plan shows (you can find it at www.fin.gc.ca), we are dealing pragmatically with our economic challenges, moving forward cautiously and staying on track to have a balanced budget by 2015 and a slight surplus in 2016.

More importantly, we are doing it while maintaining our commitments to healthcare, social programs, small business, post-secondary education, research and development, social housing, municipal infrastructure and the environment among others.

One thing is for certain. We are in pretty good shape here in Kelowna-Lake Country. The Financial Post reports that the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, via a list of 12 indicators, chose Kelowna as one of the top places (#6) in Canada to start a new business.

It’s all thanks to the hardworking people that make our community great and there are many of you out there as evidenced by all the business awards recently handed out by the Lake Country Chamber and the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce.

And speaking of great people, I once again had the pleasure of spending some time with our local veterans and their spouses. This is the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Navy (a celebration with Minister MacKay was held this week on Parliament Hill) and the 26th Anniversary of the Kelowna Naval Association and so it was a great honor to award the Convoy Cup Foundation medallions from the Royal Norwegian Consulate to 22 Okanagan veterans, two posthumously, at the monthly meeting of the Kelowna Naval Veterans Association.

These vets are proof positive that when the going gets tough the tough get going. I only have to think of those folks out on frigates in the cold, stormy and unfriendly seas, being hit again and again by 44 foot waves, to know we all have it in us to overcome our challenges and make it work. They had to be tough and so can we.

As always, if you have any questions or comments on a federally-related matter, don’t hesitate to contact me at [email protected] or at 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.

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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