IN TOUCH WITH MP EARL DREESHEN

April 14, 2015

While the weather has been up and down lately, spring is indeed on the way. I look forward to seeing equipment out in the field, yards getting some color and of course the longer days and warmer weather.

It has been an exciting time in Central Alberta. I have had the great opportunity to announce federal funding to several local organizations who service seniors over the past month. I was pleased to see the Autumn Glen Lodge receive $22 million dollars in joint funding from the federal and provincial governments. The existing Autumn Glen Lodge will be replaced with a new, 60-unit lodge and a minimum of 30 units of seniors’ self-contained apartments. This new development, operated through a partnership between The Parkland Foundation and The Bethany Group, will help to improve the overall housing conditions for low-income seniors in Innisfail.

I was also honoured to announce funding for the Bowden Friendship Centre and the Metis Local #492 through the New Horizons for Seniors Program. By supporting New Horizons for Seniors Program projects, we are helping seniors maintain a good quality of life and continue to be active members of their communities.

In Ottawa we have also been busy putting forth legislation and implementing other government programs in order to provide Canadians with a high standard of living.

Of course, one of the most important aspects of Canada’s standard of living is security. I have written in this space frequently about our anti-crime legislation and measures we have taken to keep our streets and communities safe. I have been attending rural crime watch meetings and reporting back to the Prime Minister and Minister Steven Blaney about what is happening in Central Alberta, specifically surrounding rural crime, home invasions and property crime. I know that the Priority Crimes Task Force is having some early success and hopefully we can continue to work together and address this important issue in our community.

The past few months have given us a more global security threat with the situation in the Middle East. I was proud to stand with my colleagues in the Conservative Caucus to provide support to our allies in the battle against ISIS. I am also pleased that our government is moving to stop homegrown terrorism through Bill C-51. There has been a great deal of misinformation in the media that has been put out there by the opposition surrounding Bill C-51. If anyone has concerns about specific aspects of this legislation please let my office know.

Our government, led by Veteran’s Affairs Minister Erin O’Toole has also been enhancing services to Veterans. This past month has seen several announcements including the Critical Injury Benefit, the Injured Reservists Benefit, a benefit for injured veterans and they caregivers, the Retirement Income Security Benefit and the announcement of a veteran centric communications task force. These are real changes that will increase the quality of life for many veterans and their families.

These are just a few of the highlights, for more information please contact me or follow me on facebook, twitter or on my website at earldreeshen.ca.

As always, thank you for your support. If you are having any difficulties navigating the Federal Government or if there is anything you want me to take back to Ottawa please do not hesitate to contact my office.

Until next time

Earl Dreeshen,

MP Red Deer