July 27, 2010

Hamilton, ON

 

On behalf of the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, David Sweet, Member of Parliament for Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale, today announced that the Government of Canada will assist with the long-term cultural resource management of Hamilton and Scourge National Historic Site of Canada by investing in the creation of a management plan. The national historic site is comprised of the wrecks of two American gunships, the Hamilton and the Scourge, which sank during the war of 1812.

 

"These efforts will go a long way in preserving the Hamilton and Scourge for future generations of Canadians," said Mr. Sweet. "Our government understands and appreciates the effectiveness of conservation efforts made by our municipal partners. The creation of a management plan will serve as a valuable long-term resource to protect these historic shipwrecks."

July 12, 2010

Ottawa, ON

 

Throughout the Spring Session the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs completed its review of the Canadian Forces Members and Veterans Re-establishment and Compensation Act, better known as the "New Veterans Charter."

 

On Thursday, June 17^th, 2010, in my role as Chair of the Committee, I had the privilege of tabling, in the House of Commons, our report entitled "A Timely Tune-Up for the Living New Veterans Charter."  To read this report, please visit: http://www2.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?DocId=4634723&Language=E&Mode=1&Parl=40&Ses=3.

 

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By David Sweet, MP

July 5, 2010

 

On Canada Day, I had a great time celebrating our great nation with people at the Dundas Rotary Pancake Breakfast at the Driving Park, the Optimist's Canada Day Picnic at Webster's Falls, and parades in Lynden and Troy. It truly was a celebration of our past and our future, just as the Ancaster Heritage Days was just a few weeks ago.

 

With so much to be proud of as a country, it's a great day to be a Canadian. My wife Almut and I hope you enjoyed the day with your family, friends and neighbours.

 

This was the first Canada Day we celebrated as the winner of so many gold medals on home soil. I trust you took a moment on Canada Day to recall those euphoric days during the Vancouver 2010 Olympics --especially when hockey gold was ours -- first our women's team and then the absolutely stunning finish by our men's team.

 

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July 1, 2010

Ottawa, ON

 

Thank you. Your Majesty, Your Royal Highness, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.

 

Greetings to fellow Canadians here on Parliament Hill, across our country, and around the world on this, the 143^rd anniversary of Confederation.

 

Happy Canada Day! 

 

And Your Majesty, welcome to this spectacular party and, on behalf of all Canadians, welcome back to your home away from home!  We are delighted to have our sovereign with us on this special occasion.

 

Ladies and gentlemen, this past year has been a great one for our country. We hosted the most vibrant Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games of all time! And at those Olympic and Paralympic Games, our fantastic athletes set a record for the most gold medals that any nation has won at any Winter Games ever!

 

Shanghai, China

June 30, 2010

 

Canada's top quality beef will be served at the Shanghai World Expo 2010 to celebrate Canada Day, marking the first time in almost a decade that Canadian beef has been available in China. Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz will host a beef barbecue in celebration of Canada and China's strong trade relationship. Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaelle Jean, Governor General of Canada and Canada's Commissioner General for Expo 2010 Mark Rowswell - "Dashan", a famous media personality in China, are expected to attend the event.

 

"We'd like to thank our Chinese friends for allowing a special shipment of beef for our Canada Day celebrations, as we work to complete our agreement for staged full market access," said Minister Ritz. "Canada is the first BSE-affected country to receive any beef access to China in almost a decade and this landmark agreement will help ensure a bright future for the Canadian beef industry by getting our safe, high quality beef back on Chinese store shelves." 

 

On June 24, Canada announced that it had secured a breakthrough agreement with China to allow staged market access for beef and tallow, becoming the first country to resume trade with China following a case of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) in 2003. As a key indication of the strong trade relationship based on principles of sound science, China has allowed a special shipment of Canadian beef into both Shanghai and Bejing for Canada Day celebrations.

 

Photo caption: Minister Ritz joined by Governor General Michaelle Jean to celebrate Canadian Beef at the Shanghai Expo. In this photo: Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaelle Jean and her daughter, Marie-Eden Lafond.