From the Office of Peter Stoffer MP – March, 2010
Congratulations to Olympic and Paralympic Athletes
Congratulations to all the athletes and coaches who participated in the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. All athletes demonstrated great spirit, excellence in sport, and pride in their country. I also want to extend my congratulations to the athletes participating in the 2010 Vancouver Winter Paralympics from March 12th to 21st.
Budget 2010
The Conservative government will deliver its 2010 budget this month. Our federal government will need to deliver a budget that is fiscally responsible yet maintains our core government services and programs. Unfortunately, Harper’s decision to prorogue Parliament limited the opportunity for public input and pre-budget consultations.
Your input is valuable. Let me know what you think of the federal government’s 2010 Budget.
Jack Layton Undergoing Prostrate Cancer Treatment
Last month, NDP Leader Jack Layton announced that he is undergoing treatment for prostate cancer but he will continue to serve as the leader of the New Democratic Party of Canada and the Member of Parliament for Toronto-Danforth. We wish Jack well in his recovery.
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, over 25,000 Canadian men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year. If you are over 50 years old, the Canadian Cancer Society recommends that you should talk to your doctor about your personal risk of developing prostate cancer and whether you should be tested.
Beware of Internet Myths
For many years, people have forwarded me an email that describes the financial support refugees receive from our federal government in comparison to Old Age Security payments. The email mistakenly concludes that refugees receive a monthly allowance from the federal government greater than the monthly allowance received by OAS pensioners. This email is not correct and is an urban myth. In fact, the urban myth has its origins in a 2004 Toronto Star Article and an incorrect reader’s response to the article. Unfortunately, an email campaign ensued that spread this misinformation. Please be careful of what you read and believe on the internet. For more information on this issue, please see this site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immigrant_benefits_urban_legend
As always, please contact my office at (902) 861-2311 or 1-888-701-5557.