Last month, I shaved off my moustache (and am growing it back) to mark “Movember,” a month-long campaign to raise awareness and funds for prostate cancer. I was inspired to participate in this campaign in part because my colleague and leader Jack Layton has prostate cancer.  About 25, 000 Canadian men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year.  I also want to extend kudos to Jack Brill of Lower Sackville who has worked tirelessly to raise awareness for prostate cancer and early detection.

Military Purchases

New Democrats are calling on the federal government to temporarily pause its purchase of new F-35 fighter jets in an effort to ensure the procurement process is open, fair, and transparent.  In July, the Conservative government announced they plan to purchase sixty-five F-35 Lightning II fighter jets from Lockheed-Martin at a cost of more than 16 billion dollars.  The new jets will replace Canada’s aging CF-18’s.  But the government did not publically tender the purchase of these new fighter jets and the decision was made without consultation.  We need to ensure that this aircraft is the best one for the men and women in the Canadian Forces and that it provides the best value for taxpayers’ dollars.

Veterans Update

Congratulations to John Labelle of Lower Sackville and Dennis Manuge of Porters Lake who recently received the Commendation Award from Colonel (Ret’d) Patrick Stogran, Canada’s Ombudsman for Veterans’ Affairs, in recognition of their work and advocacy for veterans.  I was also pleased to receive the same Commendation Award that evening.  In conversation with John and Dennis, we noted that out of the four award recipients, three of us were from the federal riding of Sackville-Eastern Shore.

Colonel (Ret’d) Stogran was not re-appointed for a second term as the Ombudsman for Veterans Affairs despite many calls for a second term.  I wish Colonel Stogran all the best in his future endeavours.   I also congratulate Mr. Guy Parent who was appointed the new Veterans Ombudsman on November 12^th.

I was pleased that the House of Commons held a ‘take-note’ debate on veterans’ issues in the House of Commons on November 2^nd.  I pushed for this debate in recognition of the very serious issues facing veterans and their families and to ask for an inquiry into the practices of the Department of Veterans Affairs.  I also introduced a new bill (C-592) to allow modern day CF veterans’ access to veterans’ hospitals and departmental long term care beds.

National Declaration of Tartan Day

I am pleased that the federal government has officially declared April 6 as Tartan Day. I know many Scottish groups are very pleased with this declaration including Jean Watson of Lower Sackville.  Jean helped push for Tartan Day to be recognized on a national level and following her lead, I introduced a bill in the House of Commons several years ago.

Tartan Day is celebrated in many provinces including Nova Scotia in recognition of Canadians who have Scottish heritage.  I thank Canadian Heritage Minister Moore for his effort to officially recognize April 6^th as Tartan Day.

All the Best for the Holiday Season

On behalf of my wife Andrea, my family, and my staff, I wish you the very best for the holiday season and in the New Year.

As always, please contact me regarding any of your concerns or comments.  I can be reached at 861-2311 or toll free at 1-888-701-5557.

Colonel (Ret’d) Stogran was not re-appointed for a second term as the Ombudsman for Veterans Affairs despite many calls for a second term.   Mr. Guy Parent was appointed the new Veterans Ombudsman on November 12^th.

The House of Commons held a ‘take-note’ debate on veterans’ issues in the House of Commons on November 2^nd.  MP Peter Stoffer pushed for this debate in recognition of the very serious issues facing veterans and their families and to ask for an inquiry into the practices of the Department of Veterans Affairs. He also introduced a new bill (C-592) to allow modern day CF veterans’ access to veterans’ hospitals and departmental long term care beds.

Come join us for an evening of music, refreshments, and a silent auction as we light our Christmas Tree in honour of those who make a difference in our life while helping to support health care in our community, and services that are vital to our neighbours.

If you would like to have a candle lit in memory or honour of someone, please contact the Foundation at (902) 869-6128 or visit www.cobequidfoundation.ca

A light will shine brightly on our tree in the lobby in honour or memory of your loved one and will remain lit through the holiday season.

Presented by RBC, Bedford and Lower Sackville Branches

The Community Solar Program is a proposed project in the development stage. If approved, qualified homeowners in HRM will have an opportunity to work with HRM to install solar panels at their homes. HRM wants tell you more about this exciting proposed program – how it works and how you can apply to take part.

Information Sessions are open to the public. Dates and times are listed below:
November 25th – Cole Harbour , 6-8 pm – Cole Harbour Place – Westphal Room (2nd floor)
November 29th – Sackville, 6-8 pm – Sackville Heights Community Centre
December 1st – Halifax, 6-8 pm – Saint Mary’s Boat Club
December 8th – Dartmouth, 6-8 pm – Alderney Library – Helen Creighton Room
December 13th – Spryfield, 6-8 pm – Captain William Spry Community Centre

For more information:
Online: halifax.ca/solarcity
Email: solarcity@halifax.ca

This is a rich evening of music, drumming and stories honouring ALL veterans, including African-Nova Scotian, Aboriginal and Merchant Marines who gave so much during the two world wars and subsequent conflicts. The evening will delight you with a unique mixture of music from different cultures, drumming and spoken word. A free-will offering will be collected to support a cross-cultural youth program.

For more information, please email unsungheroes2010 @ gmail.com

WHERE: LWF COMMUNITY HALL
843 FALL RIVER ROAD
WHEN: SUNDAY, DEC. 5TH, 2:00 PM
COST: $5 ADMISSION

Bar & Canteen open – Welcome one & all!
Music acts include:
• County Line Band
• Bill Huey, Fred Isenor & Friends
• Eric Bowers
• Owen Davis
• Gary Bowers
• Darrin & Russell Lively
• Lenny & Polly Metham