Taking Care of Business For Canadians
April 23th, 2008
Not all government business emanating from Ottawa is
compelling and “news-breaking”. Yet it isn’t
any less important to the daily lives of Canadians. This
past week details on a number of federal initiatives were
released that you should know about.
Chemical Banned in Baby Bottles
Canada became the first country in the world to take
action over concerns that the chemical Bisphenol A (BPA)
is a threat to human health. While research on the health
effects of BPA is in the early stages, Health Minister
Tony Clement announced our Conservative Government would
take no chances with those most vulnerable and that BPA
will be banned for use in baby bottles.
Science indicates that BPA exposure levels are below
those that can cause a negative impact on health, but
because BPA in baby bottles leaches out most when hot/boiling
water is added, parents are advised to take extra protection
to reduce exposure. This includes using glass bottles,
bottles with disposable liners or BPA-free plastic bottles.
BPA is being labelled toxic under the Canadian Environmental
Protection Act which allows Ministers, such as Mr. Clement,
to implement measures to manage risk to exposure. BPA
can be used safely in sports equipment and adhesives,
for example, so a complete ban is not warranted.
If you would like more information go to: www.healthycanadians.ca
or call 1-866-891-4542.
Refit of Navy Frigates
Two new contracts worth $900-million have been awarded
in Halifax and Victoria for the on-going maintenance and
refit of Canada’s 12 navy frigates. For British
Columbia, this project will create 110 new jobs and help
maintain an additional 450 jobs.
The Halifax Class frigates were built in the early 1990s
and now require upgrades and systems modernization, particularly
in areas of marine engineering, command, control and combat
systems. We do not want to return to the Liberal era of
neglect, where under-funding gutted the operational capability
of our Canadian Forces.
This initiative will ensure Canadian sailors have the
best available equipment to continue ensuring the safety
of Canadian waters and ongoing cooperation with our allies.
Review of Canada Post
Now is your opportunity to have your say on Canada Post.
Minister Lawrence Cannon announced that the Conservative
Government is conducting a strategic review of the Canada
Post Corporation. With changes in technology, such as
e-mail and the Internet, and a drop in traditional mail
volumes, it’s time to review the direction of this
Crown Corporation to ensure it has the tools and means
to meet Canadians’ expectations.
A review panel will consult with a wide range of stakeholders
including customers, unions and competitors. This review
follows upon our Conservative Government’s directive
in December 2006 requiring Canada Post to implement an
operational plan to restore and maintain rural mail delivery
to all Canadians living in rural areas. This process will
continue during the review.
The general public is encouraged to write submissions
for consideration by the Panel. For more information,
go to: www.cpcstrategicreview.gc.ca.
As always, if you have questions on these or any other
federal issues, please contact my office at 1-800-661-1183.
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