Quarterly Edition No. 48—Summer 2018
CONSTITUENCY OFFICE OTTAWA OFFICE 222-1496 Bedford Hwy House of Commons CONTACT Bedford, NS B4A 1E5 Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6 902-426-2217 613-996-3085 INFORMATION: [email protected] [email protected]
MESSAGE FROM YOUR MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT IN THIS EDITION: It’s that beloved time of year... summer in Nova Scotia. Looking back on The House of Commons concluded sitting on June 22, Canada Day ...... P2 which means I’m spending the majority of the summer in my riding of Halifax West. Forum for Young Canadians ...... P2 As the weather warms up here in Nova Scotia, I’m trying to fit in more outdoor activity. That has meant partici- Ticks: Be Aware ...... P3 pating in the Blue Nose Marathon 10 km event with my daughter and also walking or cycling door to door in Funding for Black local neighbourhoods to catch up with constituents in Canadian Youth ...... P3 Halifax West. I look forward to spending even more Addressing students as part of a French time getting out and connecting with residents and language exchange program at École du Sommet in May Free Parks for Youth .. P3 community groups over the remainder of the summer.
Photo Gallery ...... P4 As your M.P., I always aim to gather your feedback and listen to constituents’ views on the issues that Congratulations High matter to you, your family, and your community. School Graduates ...... P4 While I must remain impartial as Speaker of the House of Commons, I can still take concerns that are shared with me directly to the ministers or federal agencies responsible. My staff and I are also availa- ble to assist you with any issues you may experience with federal programs and services.
It was great to see lots of familiar (and new) faces at I hold regular town hall meetings the recent Canada Day celebrations in Halifax West. House of Commons visit with Nova Scotia’s in neighbourhoods throughout There are so many great community events and Blayre Turnbull (L) and Jillian Saulnier (R) of Canada's 2018 Olympic women’s hockey team Halifax West. Find out about up- celebrations happening this summer; whatever you coming meetings at plan to take part in, I do hope you have fun and stay www.geoffregan.ca Or, join my safe. I encourage you to keep in touch and continue to share feedback with me. There are a mailing list by e-mailing few ways to do that, such as contacting my Constituency Office at 902-426-2217 or e-mailing [email protected] [email protected]. See you around Halifax West this summer!
REFLECTIONS ON CANADA DAY
On July 1, friends, families, and neighbours across Canada gathered to celebrate Canada Day. Be it a backyard barbecue, a street party, or a quiet day of rest, we each marked Canada Day in our own way.
I was so pleased to have the opportunity to attend Canada Day events in my riding of Halifax West. I always love such an opportunity to connect with constituents of all ages, and who doesn’t love a good Canada Day pancake breakfast?
For me, Canada Day is an opportunity to remember how lucky we are to live in a welcoming country of opportunity where, if you work hard, you can make a better life for yourself and your TOP: family no matter your background. Geoff at the This vision of a stronger, fairer Canada, drives my work every day Indo- as I serve the constituents in our community. Canadian Canada Day Cele- I also took time to consider the remarkable accomplishments bration Canadians have made in the 150 years since Confederation.
From advancements in medicine and science to remarkable LEFT: literature and art, Canadians have undoubtedly made a mark on Handing the world. I also celebrate the culture and values our country out stands for, and the diversity and compassion that is fostered Canada here. Day pins and flags Canada Day was not only a day to celebrate, but a day to at Bed- recognize and appreciate the diversity, tolerance and ford’s compassion that is Canada. We also recognize the significant DeWolf Park contribution of Indigenous Canadians throughout our history.
I hope you and your family also had a wonderful Canada Day! Forum for Young Canadians Stay Connected! The Forum for Young Canadians is looking for youth Want the latest and most up-to-date leaders to participate in this year’s National Youth information on what’s Forum on Parliament Hill! Forum for Young Canadians is Canada’s premier civics education program for happening in Halifax West? students aged 15-19. The Forum immerses students in the exciting world of national politics and public affairs.
For over 40 years, this program has given participants
Facebook.com/geoffreganNS/ an opportunity to interact with Senators, Members of Parliament and other decision makers who impact their daily lives. @geoffregan The deadlines to apply are September 17 for the October session, and November 30 for the 2019 sessions. For information on registration, scholarships and more, visit www.forum.ca
GEOFF REGAN, MP www.geoffregan.ca HALIFAX WEST
Tick Awareness in Halifax West International Decade for People of African Ticks can sometimes be infected with bacteria that can cause human Descent: New Funding for illness, including Lyme disease. The best way to protect against Lyme disease is to prevent tick bites. Unfortunately, the disease goes Black Canadian Youth
undiagnosed far too often, with serious long-term effects. You may have As part of the United Nations International Dec- noticed tick awareness signage in the Halifax area, such as Bedford’s ade for People of African Descent, the Govern- Admiral Cove Park. ment of Canada announced $9 million in funding
to address the significant and unique challenges Ticks live in underbrush so you can pick them up while walking the dog, facing Black Canadian Youth. This will fund com- gardening, or any activity that takes you into woodlands. The munity-led projects that help combat discrimina- Government of Canada has shared some ways to protect yourself: tion and equip young Black Canadians with the
tools and skills they need to overcome barriers. Wear light coloured, long-sleeved shirts and pants to spot ticks
easily. Tuck shirt into pants, and pull socks over your pant legs The funding will be focused on helping to em- Use bug spray containing DEET or Icaridin on skin and clothes (per power Black youth by promoting Black history, label directions) culture and identity; developing leadership skills; Walk on cleared paths or walkways and encouraging local community involvement. Shower or bathe within two hours of being outdoors to facilitate a The funding will also go toward projects that help tick check and remove ticks that haven’t attached yet combat discrimination. Do a full body check for ticks on yourself and children. Don’t forget
pets! Projects funded by this new initiative will foster a If you find an attached tick, remove it with tweezers immediately. better understanding of the experiences of Black Removing it within 24-36 hours can help prevent infection. youth and help facilitate dialogue between all
Canadians. This funding initiative intends to ad- The Government of Canada released a Federal Framework on Lyme dress the significant and unique challenges faced disease in 2017, with up to $4 million to establish a Lyme Research by the Black Canadian community. Network to improve diagnosis and treatment, and has invested in a fund
to address climate-drive infection diseases such as Lyme Disease. Those interested in applying for funding under
this new initiative should contact The federal government has shared that it will continue to work with Canadian Heritage at pch.jeunescanadiensnoirs- partners, including those with lived experience, to address Lyme [email protected]. disease. NATIONAL PARKS ARE FREE FOR YOUTH
Canada is a country with majestic stars while enjoying the beautiful mountains, dense forests, and pristine nature our national parks continue rivers and lakes. to offer. The Government of Canada has shared that it is important for Whether you are on the west coast kids to have an opportunity to learn enjoying the sights of the Canadian about the natural beauty of our Rockies in Banff National Park, or in the country. east visiting canoe routes used by the Mi’Kmaw people for thousands of years Visitors to Canada’s parks, historic in Kejimkujik National Park and Historic sites, and marine conservation areas Site, there is something for every help employ more than five Canadian to enjoy at one of Canada’s thousand people who protect, operate For a historic city experience, consider parks. and develop parks across Canada. Halifax’s own downtown Citadel National Historic site. Here, families can Starting this year, admissions to all our So, where to check out first? Kejimkujik national parks, historic sites, and marine step back in time and learn what it was National Park is only hours outside of like for the soldiers and their families to conservation areas operated by Parks Halifax Regional Municipality, and is Canada will be free for youth under 17. live and work in this historic fort. truly a place to get away from the hustle This means that more Canadian families and bustle of the city. Explore the lush To learn more about forests, canoe, or simply gaze at the will have an opportunity to explore their Parks Canada, visit pc.gc.ca country, sit by the fire, and look at the stars. GEOFF REGAN, MP www.geoffregan.cawww.geoffregan.ca HALIFAX WEST PHOTO GALLERY
In recent months, M.P. Regan has had the opportunity to meet with lots of passionate, engaged constituents in Halifax West, or with those who have visited Parliament Hill on behalf of their respective organizations.
RIGHT: Meeting with Henry Annan of Halifax West, President of the Canadian Federation of Medical Students. He and a group of Canadian medical students traveled to Parliament Hill to discuss strategies on medical care.
ABOVE: Geoff meets with
board members of Lakeside
Legion #156 to hear about
important services they are
providing to the Beechville
Lakside Timberlea (BLT) com-
munity and veterans.
RIGHT: Touring the CAE
facility in July. CAE employs
approximately 80 people in
the riding, and provides
innovative naval training and
simulation solutions for clients
such as the Canadian Forces ABOVE: Geoff pours tea at the annual and others. Georgian Tea at Bedford’s Scott Manor House.
Congratulations High School Graduates of Halifax West!
Congratulations to all who graduated this year in my riding of Halifax West, including students of Bedford and Forsyth Education Centres, Charles P. Allen High School, École Secondaire du Sommet, Halifax West High School, and Sir John A. Macdonald High School.
Be proud of your achievement. Personal growth comes through the pursuit of worthwhile goals. Education enriches your life in many ways. Please accept my best wishes as a new and exciting phase of your life begins.
Yours truly, Geoff addresses students at the École Secondaire du Sommet graduation in June.
GEOFF REGAN, MP www.geoffregan.ca HALIFAX WEST