From The Office Of Peter Stoffer MP – February 2010

Haiti

Canadians are deeply saddened by the horrific earthquake which has devastated Haiti. The people of Haiti and the Canadian-Haitian community are in our thoughts and prayers. Immediate emergency aid and rescue efforts are already underway but it will take many months and years to rebuild Haiti and relieve human suffering.

I want to express my appreciation to our military and foreign affairs personnel, staff from non-governmental organizations, the United Nations staff who were already on the ground as part of the UN Stabilisation Mission, and the many others who are participating in relief efforts. I also extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has donated to organizations that are helping Haitians rebuild their lives and communities. I am pleased that the Government of Canada will match dollar for dollar the contributions of individual Canadians to eligible Canadian charitable organizations in support of humanitarian, recovery, and reconstruction efforts in Haiti, up to a total of $50 million. For more information, please see www.acdi-cida.gc.ca.

If you plan on making a donation, please double check that your donation is going to a legitimate charitable organization such as the Red Cross, UNICEF, Doctors without Borders, Oxfam Canada, Care Canada, The Humanitarian Coalition, and others. You can consult the Canadian Revenue Agency’s list of registered charities and relief organizations at www.cra.gc.ca/donors.

Prorogation: Another Example of Harper’s Arrogance

I have heard from many constituents who are unhappy with Harper’s decision to prorogue Parliament until March 3rd. Canadians want their government representatives to get back to work in Ottawa. They want the Harper government to address issues and answer questions about Afghanistan, our economy, the environment, and other important issues.

Harpers unilateral decision to prorogue Parliament until March is yet another example of this government’s arrogance. Prorogation causes all government bills and legislation before the House to die. It also means that parliamentary committees cannot work or meet until Parliament resumes. This includes the work of finance committee which was preparing to conduct pre-budget consultations with groups and citizens across the country.

February is Black History Month

Many local activities are planned to celebrate Black History Month. In late January, I am participating in the premiere launch of the “William Hall Play” at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa as a guest speaker. William Hall was an African Nova Scotian who was awarded the Victoria Cross medal by Britain for his bravery in a battle in India in 1859. The play is produced by renowned actor, producer and director Anthony Sherwood. I am also looking forward to attending the unveiling of a Commemorative Stamp of William Hall at the Black Cultural Centre in early February.

I encourage you to participate in many of the Black History Month events throughout Halifax Regional Municipality. I also encourage you to visit the Black Cultural Centre in Cherry Brook, just outside Dartmouth on Highway #7, and in our federal riding of Sackville-Eastern Shore. The Black Cultural Centre of Nova Scotia is a wonderful centre that celebrates the many contributions African Nova Scotians have made to our province. For more information on the Black Cultural Centre of Nova Scotia, please see www.bccns.com or call toll free at 1-800-465-0767.

Need to End Archaic Marriage Restrictions

I recently held a press conference calling on the federal government to end archaic pension restrictions for veterans. Current legislation restricts pension and health benefits for veterans’ surviving spouses in the case of marriage after the age of 60.  As well, legislation restricts pension and health benefits for surviving spouses of many federal public servants in the case of marriage after retirement. I plan to introduce a bill that would modernize this legislation. It is interesting to note that the Canada and Quebec Pension Plans do not include any such restrictions.

As always, please contact me with any concerns or questions at (902) 861-2311 or 1-888-701-5557.