Disaster Relief: We have all watched with sorrow the effects of the devastating January 17th earthquake in Haiti. Thanks to all who have provided assistance to those in need. Ontario has also supported the international relief effort.
Jobs Plan: The province is investing $497,000 in the London Economic Development Corporation for initiatives to help secure new manufacturing investments that will create Jobs in London’s advanced manufacturing sector:
- London Regional Manufacturing Council is running a pilot project that will reduce the cost of adapting European manufacturing technology to Canadian electrical standards.
- Brose, a German-based auto parts manufacturer, will be ensuring a new high-tech precision laser cutter being installed at the London facility meets CSA approved standards.
- Local parts suppliers will be able to capitalize on opportunities to supply auto manufacturer Volkswagen in North America.
Education and Skills Training: Employment Ontario is making it easier to find employment and training programs in one location. By summer of 2010, job seekers and employers will find a full range of employment services in 12 locations in London and Middlesex.
For information on how over $1 billion in training and upgrading services every year can help you, and where to find them, call 1-800-387-5656, or check out www.ontario.ca/employmentontario
University and College Grants and Loans: Over 150,000 students every year qualify for grants and loans from Ontario (OSAP) to help with their postsecondary education. Find out if you qualify at: www.accesswindow.osap.gov.on.ca
Better Access to Justice: Legal Aid provides access to legal advice for those who cannot afford it. We have strengthened the system so that people will be able to get more up-front advice (especially in family law), effective early decisions will be supported (not penalized), cases can be better managed, and lawyers will be encouraged to participate in the Plan. As someone who did legal aid for every one of my 25 years in practice, and participated on the board of a legal clinic, I was pleased to have been able to announce this.
New Duties: I am now, in addition to your MPP and the Attorney General, the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs. It remains a separate ministry. So what, you might ask, does a new minister do the first two weeks? In addition to the usual briefings, meetings, and my other responsibilities, I have participated in five announcements with an aboriginal focus (postsecondary education, right to play, green energy at Six Nations, Rama agreement, Oneida Nation of the Thames health), met with the Regional Chief and all of the Grand Chiefs, spoken with quite a few of the First Nation Chiefs, met with Gary Lipinski of Metis Nation, and travelled to Six Nations, Leamington, Manitoulin, Walpole Island and, next week, Thunder Bay, to meet with Grand Chiefs, Chiefs and Councils in different communities, and discuss how to move forward. I am delighted with this new opportunity.
Mark Your Calendar:
February 27, 2010 Kickoff for the Marathon a Month Fitness Challenge
April 10, 2010 Think Global, Act Local – White Oaks Mall
To find out more about these or other issues, please contact me at 519-657-3120, cbentley.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org or visit my website http://www.chrisbentley.onmpp.ca/