Media Room
New Affordable Housing

September 14, 2012 - The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, and the City of Hamilton celebrated today the official opening of the Good Shepherd Square, a 156-unit affordable housing rental project.

The Good Shepherd Square is supported by $10.5 million in funding through the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program. 

David Sweet, Member of Parliament for Ancaster—Dundas—Flamborough—Westdale, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC); and the Honourable Kathleen Wynne, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; along with Robert Bratina, Mayor of the City of Hamilton; and Brother Tom Liss, President of Good Shepherd Non-Profit Homes, made the announcement. 

“Today’s event demonstrates what we can achieve when we work together,” said MP Sweet. “Our Government is committed to supporting Canadian families and communities, but it takes the efforts of many and partnerships at all levels to get real results.” 

“Improving access to safe affordable housing provides a solid foundation for securing employment, raising families and building strong communities,” said Minister Wynne. “I know this project will make a difference in Hamilton and improve the quality of life for the residents of Good Shepherd Square.” 

“The Good Shepherd has distinguished itself over many years in Hamilton, and now with the opening of the Good Shepherd Square it continues to make our community stronger, with this 156-unit project that provides essential housing and support to its residents”, said Mayor Bratina. “I commend the Good Shepherd for their efforts and achievements that have benefited so many people in our community, and as a shining example of leadership, dedication, and good will.” 

The 156 units located at 398 King Street West received $10.5 million through a joint investment under the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement. The federal and provincial funding is complemented by more than $7.6 million in municipal financial incentives. The Good Shepherd Square is comprised of three buildings built around a communal green space. The site offers women’s services, seniors’ supportive housing, multiple residential housing, and a wellness centre, as well as office space for Good Shepherd Centre. 

“Good Shepherd Square is the culmination of what we have learned about serving the needs of the homeless and the vulnerable over the more than fifty years that we have worked in Hamilton”, said Brother Tom Liss, President of Good Shepherd Non-Profit Homes. “We have learned that if you provide a dignified, uplifting place for folks to make a home, they live a healthier, more rewarding life. Thank you to all who have supported this wonderful endeavor.” 

The Government of Canada, through CMHC, will invest more than $2 billion in housing this year. Of this amount, $1.7 billion will be spent in support of almost 605,000 households living in existing social housing. In Ontario, this represents some 237,750 households. These investments are improving the quality of life for low-income Canadians and households living in existing social housing, including individuals who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness, seniors, persons with disabilities, recent immigrants and Aboriginal people. 

Ontario continues to build new affordable housing and repair existing units for Ontarians with housing needs. Since 2009, the provincial government has provided nearly $183 million to build new rental housing units for low-income seniors and persons with disabilities. Ontario’s overall investment of over $2.5 billion has translated into the construction and repair of more than 270,000 housing units and the provision of 35,000 rent supplements for Ontario families on fixed incomes. The province’s Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy sets a strong foundation for a more efficient, accessible affordable housing system in Ontario. 

Affordable housing is a key component of Ontario’s Poverty Reduction Strategy. Download a copy of the Government of Ontario’s Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy. To find out more about affordable housing in Ontario, visit www.ontario.ca/housing. 

To find out more about how the Government of Canada and CMHC are working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc.ca.
 
February 2012 -- Food Drive and OAS

A reminder that the Ancaster Food Drive is taking place on Saturday, February 25th. Volunteers will be collecting food or you can also drop off your donation at Ancaster firehalls before Saturday. Please be generous.

With our federal budget on the horizon, we’re mindful that the fiscal crisis in Europe and budget deficits in the US are impacting the global economy. Canada is not immune to these economic shocks from beyond our borders. While Canada is in better shape than our trading partners, the budget will focus on eliminating the deficit by the middle of the decade to ensure our economic recovery is not jeopardized. 

There have been many news stories and much speculation since last week about an increase in the age of eligibility for Old Age Security (OAS). While there has been no formal announcement yet, our government has been clear that we will take prudent action now to ensure OAS remains sustainable for future generations. 

Why is this necessary? Consider that while there are currently four taxpayers for every senior in Canada today, there will only be two taxpayers for every senior by 2030 due to aging demographics. Canada must be vigilant, with plenty of advance notice, or in our future we could very well face similar decisions as Greece and Italy do today. This is a circumstance that I believe no Canadian would wish to see come to pass and one I will pour all of my energies into avoiding. 

Meanwhile CPP remains fully funded through premiums and on a secure and sustainable path.

What’s important to note, and seems to be lost in the discussion thus far, is that any changes to OAS will be done with substantial notice and adjustment period and in a way that does not affect current retirees or those close to retirement. It will also give others plenty of time to adjust and plan for their retirement. 

I’d also like to underscore a contrast in budget approach to the Liberal governments of the mid-1990s who made major cuts to health transfers to the provinces in order to balance the budget. We have been clear that we will not balance the budget in this way.

***

Congratulations to Ancaster resident Michael Ciccarelli for winning the gold medal in Snowboard Slopestyle at the Winter Youth Olympic Games in Austria in January. Michael also earned 4th in the Snowboard Halfpipe, missing out on the bronze medal by only one-quarter of a point. Thanks, Michael, for representing Ancaster and Canada so well on the world stage!

 
 
Canada-Israel Energy Cooperation

June 26, 2012 - Canada and Israel today signed a new agreement on energy cooperation that will advance Canada's energy interests and contribute to jobs, growth and economic prosperity. The agreement will strengthen ties and increase bilateral relations on offshore development, new sources of oil and gas supplies, and renewable energy.

The Honourable Joe Oliver, Minister of Natural Resources, and Dr. Uzi Landau, Israeli Minister of Energy and Water Resources, signed the agreement in Tel Aviv, Israel.

“We see tremendous opportunities for Canada and Israel to cooperate more closely on energy issues.” said Minister Oliver. “Today’s agreement underscores the important strategic relationship between Canada and Israel.”

In the development of offshore resources, Canada and Israel agree to strengthen cooperation in offshore oil and gas management through an ongoing exchange of information and expertise on policy and regulatory issues, as well as through the promotion of industrial cooperation between their respective offshore sectors.

On new sources of oil and gas supplies, the two countries agree to explore opportunities for collaboration to reduce environmental impacts and to improve practices for the responsible development and use of unconventional oil and gas resources. The two countries will also seize opportunities to ensure that knowledge and lessons learned related to these new sources of oil and gas supplies are shared on a regular basis.

On renewable energy, both Canada and Israel will develop further cooperation in this area and seize opportunities to leverage current science and technology partnership activities in order to benefit from each other’s expertise.

The Government of Canada is committed to strengthening bilateral ties with Israel, advancing Canada’s energy interests and contributing to Canada’s long-term economic well-being.

The Statement on Cooperation in the Energy Sector between Canada and Israel can be found at: http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/media-room/news-release/2012/6344n
 
41 New Buses Rolling in Hamilton

September 4, 2012 – Hamilton residents will enjoy better public transit with the arrival of 41 new buses. Not only does this mean more and newer buses on the road, it also means reduced greenhouse gas emissions and improved air quality.

"This important investment in public transit will provide Hamilton residents with reliable, fully accessible and environmentally friendly buses," said David Sweet, Member of Parliament for Ancaster–Dundas–Flamborough–Westdale. "Our Government is proud to help communities with their local infrastructure and transit priorities that help protect the environment and promote economic growth."

The 41 new buses are equipped with the latest emission technologies. They are mini-hybrid models, consuming less fuel than non-hybrid models, thanks to electric cooling fans that reduce the amount of horsepower required to cool the engine. In addition, the buses are 1000 pounds lighter than previous models and feature a new transmission which is designed for smoother operation and increased fuel economy. Four of the new buses expand the city's bus fleet and serve for route extension. The remaining 37 replace old buses that had come to the end of their useful life.

"Hamilton is very grateful to our federal partners for their investments in our public transit system," said Mayor Bob Bratina. "Public transportation is a key strategic priority for Council and these new buses will allow the Hamilton Street Railway to provide increased capacity and more reliable transit service to our riders. We hope Hamiltonians will consider leaving their car at home more often and taking transit instead."

The total cost for the 41 buses is $18.8 million. The City of Hamilton directed $6 million of its federal Gas Tax Fund allocation towards the project and contributed $1.13 million, while the remaining $11.67 million came from the Transit Reserves.

"Canada's Gas Tax Fund acknowledges that all orders of government must work together to address the pressing need for infrastructure investment in our municipalities," said Russ Powers, President of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO). "Stable and predictable, the Gas Tax Fund is supporting long-term investment in local priority projects right across Ontario."

The Gas Tax Fund provides stable, long-term funding to local governments to help them build and revitalize public infrastructure. In December 2011, the Government of Canada passed legislation to make the Gas Tax Fund a permanent annual investment of $2 billion per year. The Government of Canada, through the Gas Tax Fund alone, provides $746 million in funding annually for municipal infrastructure in Ontario. Between 2010 and 2014, the City of Hamilton will receive approximately $154.8 million from the Gas Tax Fund.

Investing in infrastructure is a key part of the Government of Canada's plan for jobs, growth and long-term prosperity. To develop a new long-term infrastructure plan, the Government of Canada is working with provinces, territories, municipalities through municipal associations and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, as well as other key stakeholders in a series of roundtables. This plan will focus on investments that support job creation and economic growth, while building strong, prosperous communities across the country. Working together to develop this plan will provide new opportunities for all orders of government and the private sector to build partnerships to improve public infrastructure in Canada.
 
Honouring Army Regiments from War of 1812

September 14, 2012 - David Sweet, MP, today highlighted that numerous Canadian Forces units will be awarded perpetuation of historical units that fought in the War of 1812 and, therefore, inherit Battle Honours for engagements that were of critical importance for the defence of Canada during the War.

The announcement was made by Prime Minister Stephen Harper on September 14, 2012. 

“Our Government is committed to support our men and women in uniform and to commemorate Canada’s military heritage,” said Mr. Sweet. “I am pleased to be here to honour those regiments and soldiers whose decisive actions throughout the War of 1812 protected Canada and allowed our country to emerge as a free and independent nation within North America.” 

As part of the commemorations of the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, the federal Government committed to honouring the memory of all who served during the war. To recognize the gallantry of thousands of early Canadians who fought to defend their homeland during the war, current Canadian Army regiments that perpetuate War of 1812 units that fought in six key engagements and campaigns that were pivotal to the defence of Canada will be awarded the following Battle Honours: ‘DETROIT’, ‘QUEENSTON’, ‘MAUMEE,’ ‘NIAGARA,’ ‘CHÂTEAUGUAY,’ and ‘CRYSLER’S FARM.’ 

Furthermore, His Excellency The Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, has recently authorized the creation of an emblazonable Theatre Honour and a non-emlazonable Honorary Distinction, both entitled “DEFENCE OF CANADA – 1812-1815 – DÉFENSE DU CANADA”. These new unit honours will also be awarded to historical Canadian units that participated in a successful engagement in the defence of Canada. These units will, in turn, be perpetuated by current serving Canadian Army units and will therefore be able to place this Theatre Honour on their regimental colours.

Personnel from The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry were pleased to accept these honours, representing Ontario units that perpetuate the historical units that fought in the War of 1812. The historic ties these units share with their communities are only strengthened by this recognition.

 

“The War of 1812 helped to develop Canada’s military forces, and the same spirit of sacrifice and sense of duty of our military forbearers are valued in today’s soldiers,” said Brigadier-General Julian Chapman, Deputy Commander of Land Force Central Area. “As we move forward, and continue to fulfill our mission to defend Canada, and North America, and to contribute to international peace and security, we carry those lessons and traditions with us.” 

The War of 1812 was instrumental in the development of Canada’s military history and established the basis of the Canada we know today – an independent and free country with a constitutional monarchy and its own parliamentary system. The Government of Canada and the Canadian Forces are proud to commemorate the achievements of those early Canadian soldiers and sailors who fought in the War of 1812. 

The 200th Anniversary of the War of 1812 is an opportunity for all Canadians to take pride in our history and to pay tribute to our founders, defining historical moments, and the heroes who fought for Canada.
 
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