Alice Wong Member of Parliament for Richmond
Winter 2010 Update
Dear Richmond residents,
As the year draws to an end and the holiday spirit fills the air, I cannot help but think back on the past 12 months and realize how thankful I am. First and foremost, I am grateful for each and every one of you who partnered with me during my first term as your Member of Parliament. Together we have endured the last leg of construction on No. 3 Road and witnessed the triumphant opening of the Canada Line; we have fought for and won federal support to fund social housing, flood protection, and education initiatives. As a city we have done well, and I look forward with great anticipation to another year of working together with you and serving our community.
I am also greatly indebted to my staff, both in the Richmond office as well as on the Parliament Hill. They are a magical team and I am very fortunate to have them on board. From this update onwards you’ll get a chance to know more about them as we will be featuring them one by one on the back page. That way you’ll be able to share my joys of having these wonderful people serving our community.
Last but not least my deepest gratitude to Enoch, my husband and faithful companion, who has stood by me throughout the years, especially this past one. You are awesome!
Looking back, the past year came and went in a blink of an eye, and we have worked hard together to make Richmond a better home for all of us and our children. 2010 is going to be another phenomenal year as we look forward to the upcoming Olympic games, the excitement and stimulation this international event will bring to our city, and the progress of various ongoing infrastructural projects that will enrich the lives of all Richmondites. My door continues to be open to all of you. Please feel free to contact my office any time should you need my assistance - we will always be there to help you.
In this holiday season, whether you are celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Al Hijra, or any other religious or non-religious event, I wish you a very pleasant and joyous time! May your holiday festivities be occasions of great happiness for you and your family.
Until next time,
Alice Wong MP for Richmond
The Federal Government’s Home Renovation Tax Credit Save up to $1,350 on home improvements purchased before February 1st, 2010 See inside for details
Richmond Office: #360-5951 No. 3 Road, Richmond, B.C. V6X 2E3 Phone: 604-775-5790 Toll Free: 1-877-775-5790 Fax: 604-775-6291 Email: [email protected]
Ottawa Office: House of Commons, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6 Phone: 613-995-2021 Fax: 613-995-2174 Email: [email protected] Alice Wong Member of Parliament for Richmond
The Home Renovation Tax Credit: There’s Still Time!
Don’t miss out on the great savings that Canadians across the country are talking about. Our government’s Home Renovation Tax Credit is helping families renovate their homes while saving on next year’s tax bill. Renovate your home before February 1st, 2010 and save up to $1,350 on your 2009 tax bill. You could build a deck, renovate your kitchen, or even paint your home. This is not only helping you save, but it’s also creating business for our local hardware stores and creating jobs for local tradespeople. The best part? It’s already helping our economy improve. For more information, go to: www.actionplan.gc.ca
GOVERNMENTS FUND MORE THAN $7 MILLION IN RICHMOND FLOOD PROTECTION
The elevation of the City of Richmond averages only around one meter above sea level. This creates some logistical challenges for the city, especially in the area of flood control. Investing in our dikes and drainage systems will definitely help, because the price of flood prevention is well worth it. When the infrastructure is doing its job, Richmond continues to prosper. Only when there is a failure of flood control infrastructure do we tend to notice the infrastructure’s lack of presence.
Canada, B.C. and the City of Richmond have approved a joint investment of nearly $7.2 million through the Building Canada Fund and Infrastructure Stimulus Fund. The projects at the Middle Arm Dike and No. 4 Road Drainage Pump Station will provide lasting flood protection for the area and create local jobs.
For more information on the Building Canada plan, visit www.buildingcanada.gc.ca or www.bcbuildingcanadafundcommunities.ca. Information on the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund is available at www.creatingjobs.gc.ca. SOCIAL HOUSING FUNDING FOR RICHMOND The Governments of Canada and British Columbia are investing more than $4 million in Richmond social housing projects through a cost-shared Housing Renovation Partnership (HRP). This joint agreement provides funding to renovate and retrofit social housing in greatest need of repair, creating an estimated 25 jobs.
This new initiative is part of an overall $14-billion capital infrastructure program launched by the Province that will create up to 88,000 jobs over three years and help build vital public infrastructure in every region of the province.
Through Housing Matters BC, the Province is addressing a range of housing needs, from homelessness to affordable rental housing and homeownership. For example, the Rosewood Towers and Rosewood Village social housing developments will receive a total of $4,035,286 for repairs and renovations. In 2009, the provincial housing budget is approximately $450 million, more than three times as much as in 2001. To find out more about affordable housing in B.C., visit www.bchousing.org.
To find out more about how the Government of Canada and CMHC are working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc.ca/housingactionplan. For more information on Canada’s Economic Action Plan, call 1-800-O Canada or visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
Richmond Office: #360-5951 No. 3 Road, Richmond, B.C. V6X 2E3 Phone: 604-775-5790 Fax: 604-775-6291 Email: [email protected]
Ottawa Office: House of Commons, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6 Phone: 613-995-2021 Toll Free: 1-877-775-5790 Fax: 613-995-2174 Email: [email protected] Alice Wong Member of Parliament for Richmond
Congratulations to Rainer Mehl, proud recipient of the Prime Minister’s Awards for Teaching Excellence What is the Prime Minister’s Awards for Teaching Excellence?
“A good teacher inspires a thirst for learning that lasts a lifetime”
Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada
The Prime Minister’s Awards for Teaching Excellence honour outstanding elementary and secondary school teachers who equip their students with the knowledge and skills required for the 21st century. Award recipients are selected by parents and educators from across Canada who participate in national and regional committees. These stakeholders select recipients based on their innovative use of information and communication technologies in the classroom, the excellence and innovation in their teaching practices and their ability to achieve outstanding
results with students. The recipients have used these MP Alice Wong congratulated Mr. Mehl on his achievements outside of the Minoru Skating Rink qualities to inspire students to learn, to continue Student achievement and performances learning, to equip them with knowledge, attitudes, and skills needed to succeed. Teacher commitment and leadership
Integration of Information & Communication Mr. Rainer Mehl, who lives in Richmond, is one of the seven Technology in the classroom B.C. recipients of the Prime Minister’s Awards this year for Teaching Excellence. Alice is delighted to meet him in Innovative and exemplary teaching practices person, and wishes him continued success in equipping our Student skill development next generation.
Student interest and participation Once again, congratulations, Rainer; Richmond is proud of you!
Is the Federal Government on the right track to deliver results for you?
YES
NO
Richmond Office: #360-5951 No. 3 Road, Richmond, B.C. V6X 2E3 Phone: 604-775-5790 Fax: 604-775-6291 Email: [email protected]
Ottawa Office: House of Commons, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6 Phone: 613-995-2021 Toll Free: 1-877-775-5790 Fax: 613-995-2174 Email: [email protected] Alice Wong Member of Parliament for Richmond
Who’s who in your MP’s office...
So what does she do, exactly? Simply put, all the incoming inquiries that require further study or liaison with other federal governmental departments somehow all make their way onto Melinda’s desk. Although her work is very challenging, she still manages to maintain a delightful smile throughout the day. When asked about how she does it, she just shrugs matter-of- factly and said with a smile, “I enjoy helping people; I love my job!”
“Because of your help my parents were able to attend our wedding. Our special day would not have been the same without your assistance and support, and for this we are eternally grateful to you, and to the Office of MP Alice Wong!
Kim Featuring Melinda Wilhelm, Case Manager This is not Melinda’s first job as an MP’s case worker; in fact, she “We wouldn’t have this family reunion without your help…You are has worked for 3 other MPs in similar capacity before. Since providing awesome service and I wish more people are aware of that!” joining Alice’s team in 2008, Melinda has helped reunite many Derek of our constituents’ families, facilitated complex visa applications, and perhaps even answered some of your phone Melinda Wilhelm is Alice’s Case Manager, or better yet, calls or emails! a hidden gem in her office. Hidden, because the mountain of correspondences and cases on her desk is Melinda, you truly make a difference and we are so glad to have always high enough to keep her tucked away from the you on board! public’s eye; gem, because she is fun to be around, loves her job and puts her heart into every case that passes through her desk.
Useful Information Service Canada Centre (Richmond)
Medical Services Plan (MSP) ———————— 604-683-7151 Main office #350-5611 Cooney Road, Richmond Human Resources Canada (HRDC) ———-- 604-273-6431 604-273-6431 | Hours: M-F 8:30am-4pm
Multi-Language Extension Services 多語言外展服務 Translink Customer Information —————— 604-953-3333 (Located at the Immigrant Services Society)
#150 - 8400 Alexandra Road, Richmond Richmond Hospital ——————————————- 604-278-9711 604-526-4511 ext 230 (Chinese中文留言) ext 240 (Punjabi) Garbage or Recycling Inquiries ——————— 604-276-4010 Hours: Fridays only, 9am-4pm 逢周五上午九點至下午四點備有廣東話/普通話服務， Snow Removal (M-F 7:30-16:00) —————— 604-270-8721 請致電以上號碼或親臨 Alexandra Road 辦公室查詢。
Alice Wong, MP 360-5951 NO. 3 Road Richmond, B.C. V6X 2E3
Richmond Office: #360-5951 No. 3 Road, Richmond, B.C. V6X 2E3 Phone: 604-775-5790 Fax: 604-775-6291 Email: [email protected]
Ottawa Office: House of Commons, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6 Phone: 613-995-2021 Toll Free: 1-877-775-5790 Fax: 613-995-2174 Email: [email protected]