I would like to take a moment to thank everyone who attended the Remembrance Day ceremonies during veterans’ week throughout Simcoe North. The veterans both past and present and our future veterans certainly appreciate the support from the community.
We have tabled amendments recently that will improve the Veterans Charter, a package of services and benefits designed to meet the needs of Veterans returning from modern-day conflicts. This is a non-negotiable priority for the Government of Canada. The program offers income support, rehabilitation services, health care benefits and assistance with finding employment. The changes we announced in September address some of the gaps and deficiencies veterans have found with the program, especially in recognizing the exceptional challenges faced by seriously injured Canadian Forces personnel and their families.
We are increasing financial support for seriously injured Veterans who are unable to return to work, and ensuring that ill and injured Veterans have an adequate monthly income by enhancing the earnings loss benefit. These measures will benefit more than 3,500 Veterans over the next five years. We are increasing to $40,000 the minimum annual income Veterans receive who participate in our rehabilitation program. This measure will benefit 2,320 Veterans over the next five years.
We will continue to find ways to deliver on our commitment to those who have sacrificed so much for Canada, as well as for their loved ones, who put their own lives on hold in order to be caregivers.
We are continuing to work with Veterans organizations and advisory groups to ensure programs and services meet the needs of Canada’s Veterans and their families.
Lastly, I would like to extend to the constituents of Simcoe North, a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and hope that everyone enjoys their time with family and friends. I am looking forward to spending some time throughout the riding during the Christmas season with my constituents.
Please join my family and me at one of our Family Free Skates and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate during the month of December:
Sunday December 19
West Orillia Sports Complex, Rotary Place, Arena 2, 100 University Ave., from 2:00 to 3:30 pm.
Wednesday December 22
Coldwater Community Centre, 11 Michael Anne Drive, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm.
Tuesday December 28
Oro-Medonte Community Centre, 71 Line 4 North, from 7:00 to 8:50 pm.
Friday December 31
North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Centre, 527 Len Self Boulevard, from 7:00 to 8:30 pm.
The Very Heart of the Oro Black Settlement
by Tim Crawford
Confusing Comments
It is quite clear that some of the retired Black militia veterans of the War of 1812 settled on their designated land along the east side of Wilberforce Street, which became Line 1 of Oro-Medonte.
A number of diverse, documented comments and observations have suggested that the very heart of the Black community was located, not on the east side of Line 1, but on the west side of Line 2. There is some evidence that the centre of the community was thought to begin about the creek area on Line 2 just north of the Ski Trails Sideroad and northward for about a kilometre, along the west side of the road.
Why did the ‘centre-of-community’ or focal-point of the Black Settlement evolve on Line 2 and not on the designated area on Wilberforce Street which became Line 1 of Oro?
Arts Council presents prestigious awards at gala event
—submitted
The Orillia & District Arts Council (ODAC) honoured three deserving luminaries with prestigious ODAC annual arts awards at a gala event at the Green Room of the Orillia Opera House on March 5, 2013.
Joanna Rolland, wife of the late Phil Hull, accepted the Community Arts Award on her husband's behalf.
Read more...Couchiching Community Initiative Gears Up for Summer
by Ross McIntyre
According to a recent report entitled 'The Canadian Summer Camp Research Project', camp is much more than just canoeing, rock wall climbing, and campfires. While all the things that come to mind when we think of camp are amazing, it turns out that some other interesting things are happening during the weeks spent outdoor and with friends at summer camp.
Read more...Ten Tree and CWF Launch INSPIRE Campaign
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The Canadian Wildlife Federation (third largest charity in NA) and Ten Tree Apparel are launching a new video series to get youth outside connecting to nature. #INSPIRE features the young entrepreneurs of Ten Tree, a new environmental clothing line mountain biking, cliff diving, hiking, kayaking and white water rafting with cameo appearances by dancers, models, football players and other young and active celebrities.
Read more...
