Spring is in the air and with it comes a number of charity runs, walks and rides.

While all these events support worthy charities and causes, I'd like to draw your attention to one that I'm personally involved in on Victoria Day.

On Monday, May 21st, Lynne's Legacy Run/Walk will celebrate an incredibly courageous local individual, Lynne McTaggart, who exudes an inspiring, caring attitude in the face of terminal cancer. Lynne’s story has touched my heart and I'm honoured to be walking beside Lynne that day.

I urge you to join people of all ages in a five kilometre run or walk that day, or pledge your support online.

Please visit www.lynneslegacyrun.ca to register or pledge.

Lynne has been diagnosed with biliary cancer. While these types of cancers are rare, they are, so unfortunately, very difficult to treat. This run is Lynne’s legacy – extending her positive impact on our communities beyond her time on this earth. Funds raised will support Reach Forth Sports -- an organization that Lynne has been involved with for several years, as well as the Juravinski Cancer Centre.

Reach Forth has been active in the greater Hamilton and Burlington area since 1978 as a non-denominational organization that reaches youth and adults through the medium of sports.

The walk and run start from Churchill Park in Westdale (at King & Bond Streets) at 10 a.m. on May 21^st. Same day registration begins at 8 a.m. at the Park. There is also a Kids Run. I hope to see you there rain or shine.

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A few weeks ago, as a follow-up to the Federal Budget, Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver announced changes to the regulatory and review process for resource development in Canada. It's not the type of thing that may garner a lot of headlines but it's of critical importance to the Canadian economy and our long-term prosperity. This affects billions of dollars of investment in our economy and thousands of jobs.

That’s because the current system is an archaic maze of rules and reviews that have been introduced piecemeal throughout the years.

We’ve proposed to streamline and to reduce red tape and duplication in the review processes of major and minor projects in the energy, mining and forestry sectors. In Ontario alone, the department estimates this will positively impact 79 projects worth $108 billion.