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Seniors. If not one already, each of us (hopefully) will become one. When we do, what do we want that stage of life to look like? As I hear from more and more families being impacted by the closure of Cowichan Lodge, dignity and security for seniors are key concerns.

I believe that we are coming to a critical crossroads in which difficult decisions must be made on a range of important issues in Canada. The priorities that guide those decisions will be the determining factor as to which direction that path will lead.

Will it be one that we can be proud of?

Proposed Improvements to Old Age Security Legislation:

Bill C-490, An Act to amend the Old Age Security Act, recently received a vote at second reading in the House of Commons. This bill, in many ways the companion piece to Bill C-336 that seeks to enhance the ability of pensioners to access their CPP benefits retroactively, deals specifically with the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). Both are fundamentally about fairness for seniors and both are long overdue in their adoption.

Improvements Still Needed in Health Care

In 2004, governments reached a consensus regarding the future of health care in Canada. This shared agenda for health care renewal was formalized in the 10-Year Plan to Strengthen Health Care.

The Plan came at time when Canadians identified health care as their top priority, yet signs of under-funding and neglect were surfacing.

Now, as we approach the mid-way point in the Plan, recent reports confirm that serious problems persist.

Budget Bill Passes But Doesn’t Reflect Pressing Issues

At every opportunity I spoke against the federal budget implementation act, Bill C-50. Then, when it was my turn, I rose to vote against it.

In it’s paper titled “A Budget Canadians Can Count On”, the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives wrote, “The legacy of this minority government is one of neglect: the Conservative government has failed to address some of the most pressing issues of our time…”

Proposed Improvements to Old Age Security Legislation:

Bill C-490, An Act to amend the Old Age Security Act, recently received a vote at second reading in the House of Commons. This bill, in many ways the companion piece to Bill C-336 that seeks to enhance the ability of pensioners to access their CPP benefits retroactively, deals specifically with the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). Both are fundamentally about fairness for seniors and both are long overdue in their adoption.

Free Rail Travel

VIA Rail Canada is offering members of the Canadian Forces and National Defence employees free unlimited travel during the month of July.

The offer applies to all current and retired members of the Canadian Forces, Reserve personnel, Department of National Defence employees, and Public Fund employees.

For more information, or to reserve a ticket, go to viarail.ca/forces or call toll-free 1 888 VIARail (1888 842-7245) or 1 800 268-9503 (hearing impaired).

Voice in Ottawa

Ms. Jean Crowder (Nanaimo—Cowichan, NDP):

Welcome to NAIG 2008.

Thank you for supporting young Indigenous athletes in their journey to realize their dreams.

I invite you to explore the many special places and natural beauty of Cowichan. You’re sure to meet friendly people and leave with fond memories.

'En'thu si'em',

Jean Crowder, MP

Nanaimo-Cowichan

Letter to the Editor,

Summer is here and I invite readers to shop locally and participate in the many activities and events that will be taking place throughout our community. Please be safe in the sun, on the water, and on the roads while you’re taking in the natural beauty of this special place we live.

I look forward to being back in the riding for the summer. Watch for me at local events or contact my office for a scheduled meeting. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Jean Crowder, MP

Nanaimo-Cowichan

1-866-609-9998

It's time to talk about the crisis hitting salmon stocks on the West Coast, say federal NDP officials, who called for an emergency debate on the issue in the House of Commons this week.

The debate, called for by Catherine Bell, MP for Vancouver Island North and Deputy Critic for Fisheries and Oceans, was turned down Tuesday.

It's time to talk about the crisis hitting salmon stocks on the West Coast, say federal NDP officials, who called for an emergency debate on the issue in the House of Commons this week.

The debate, called for by Catherine Bell, MP for Vancouver Island North and Deputy Critic for Fisheries and Oceans, was turned down Tuesday.