KEEPING IN TOUCH Summer 2011

John McCallum, MP

Contact us!

7750 Birchmount Road

Unit 21-22

Markham, ON L3R 0B4

Phone: 905-479-8100

Fax: 905-479-3440

John@JohnMcCallum.ca

www.JohnMcCallum.ca

John McCallum, MP 2

In this Issue

Cover: John being sworn in as MP for Markham-Unionville, May 2011

John’s Message Where to find us Tribute to former York Region Police Chief

Armand La Barge Get involved! Petition Parliament! Ethiopia Coming to Ottawa? Plan your visit Before you Travel House of Commons “Report to Canadians” Tell me what you think - comment card

3 Markham—Unionville

John’s Message

Dear Constituent, First, let me say how grateful I am to the voters of Markham-Unionville for electing me for the fifth time on May 2. I have had the honour of representing you for the past ten years and am pleased to continue in this role. On May 2, Canadians across the country and here in Markham-Unionville expressed a message and we have heard it loud and clear. Liberals are committed to spend the next four years preparing a responsible, progressive, fiscally prudent alternative for Canadians. Of course, my door will always be open. I am recommitting myself to engage you, the residents of Markham-Unionville, on the issues that matter to our community and our country. I look forward to meeting with constituents at every opportunity and working to support Markham-Unionville’s impressive record as the best community in Canada in which to live.

John McCallum, MP 4

My office location and contact information have not changed (details can be found on page 5 of this update). Please do not hesitate to contact me regarding any federal issues you have. This update also includes some information on visiting Parliament or engaging directly in the political process by petition to the government or the House of Commons as a whole. Again, my thanks for your continued support.

Sincerely, Hon. John McCallum, P.C., M.P.

5 Markham—Unionville

Where to find us

My door is always open. You can contact my offices in either Markham or in Ottawa at the following addresses:

In Markham:

7750 Birchmount Road Unit 21-22

Markham, ON L3R OB4

(t): 905-479-8100 (f): 905-479-3440

john@johnmccallum.ca

In Ottawa:

209 Justice Building House of Commons

Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6

(t): 613-996-3374 (f): 613-992-3921

John.McCallum@parl.gc.ca

My staff and I are always here to help the residents of Markham-Unionville with a wide range of federal government issues and policies, including: Immigration CPP EI Any other services delivered by the federal government We are also here to answer any questions you might have about how the federal government works, how to get involved in public policy or to help check on the status of legislation in Parliament.

John McCallum, MP 6

House of Commons Debates OFFICIAL REPORT (HANSARD)

Tuesday, December 14, 2010 Speaker: The Honourable Peter Milliken

York Regional Police

Hon. John McCallum (Markham—Unionville, Lib.):

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate retiring York Regional Police Chief Armand La Barge for his extraordinary achievements and service to the citizens of York Region. I also congratulate newly installed Chief Eric Jolliffe.

Under Chief La Barge's watch, York Region enjoyed one of Canada's lowest crime rates. He radically increased the number of visible minority officers at all ranks to much better reflect the face of our community. He also embraced and celebrated York Region's multiculturalism.

Chief La Barge's legacy is reflected in the countless events in recent months to honour his achievements as chief.

I would also like to welcome York Region's new chief of police, Eric Jolliffe. Chief Jolliffe, I know, will continue to build on the great foundation laid by his predecessor and will take York Regional Police to the next level.

On behalf of my constituents, I congratulate them both and look forward to working with the new chief.

7 Markham—Unionville

Get Involved!

Petition Parliament!

One of the most direct ways citizens in Canada can inject themselves into Parliamentary debate is by petitioning Parliament. The House of Commons has a few rules about the form and content of petitions: The Petition must be addressed to: The House of Commons; Government of Canada; a Minister of the Crown or; an individual Member of Parliament. The text of the petition must be “respectful” and “use temperate language”. Petitions should request that the government, or Parliament, take specific action to remedy a specific problem, but not demand or insist action be taken. Petitions cannot contain any additions, such as maps or appendices. If the petition is more than one page, any page that comes after the first one should include a few lines at the top indicating the subject matter of the petition. In order for an MP to present a petition it must have at least 25 valid signatures and addresses of Canadian residents. The government must respond to all petitions tabled in the House of Commons. If you require additional information please do not hesitate to contact my office.

John McCallum, MP 8

Ethiopia This January I had the privilege of taking part in a Parliamentary

Delegation hosted by World Vision Canada along with two of my

colleagues in the

House, Lise Zarac and

Peter Braid. The

purpose of the trip

was to see first-hand

the work being done

by World Vision and

other charity

organizations in

Africa.

I think Canada can

play an important role in helping developing nations prosper. That is

why last year I presented a motion, which I am proud to say passed with

unanimous consent, that encouraged the government to increase

funding to micro-credit programs around the world.

9 Markham—Unionville

Recently, on my blog (www.johnmccallum.cacategory/johns-take/), I

spoke about the British Government’s commitment to protect foreign

aid from the otherwise draconian budget cuts being made. In fact, only

health care received the same exemption.

Contrast that with our government. They have announced a five year

freeze on foreign aid spending - which effectively acts as a cutback.

These cuts, which don’t solve the structural elements of the federal

deficit, unfairly target the weakest among us.

I sincerely hope that the Minister of Finance will listen to the will of the

House of Commons, his own caucus included, and increase support for

micro-credit programs in this year’s budget.

-John

John McCallum, MP 10

Coming to Ottawa?

Plan your visit

Ottawa is a beautiful city to visit in the summer and the city is rich with Canadian history. No visit to Ottawa would be complete without a visit to Parliament Hill. From May 18 until September 5, tours of Parliament run 7 days a week from 9:00 am - 7:20 pm on weekdays and from 9:00 am - 4:20 pm on weekends. Tours are free of charge but available on a first come, first served basis. Starting July 2nd, guided tours of Parliament’s historic East Block are also available. These tours run daily from 10:00 am until 5:15 pm. Of course, during the months of May and June, Parliament is still sitting and Canadians are encouraged to come view the Parliamentary proceedings, including Question Period, live from the public galleries. If you have any questions the Parliamentary website contains lots of useful information for visitors, www.parl.gc.ca, or you can contact my office.

11 Markham—Unionville

Before You Travel!

Summer is coming which means many of us will be taking our families on vacation. Below are a few important considerations regarding foreign travel. Before you leave the country please make sure your Canadian Passport or Permanent Resident card is current. If your documents are set to expire before your return to the country please ensure they are renewed before you leave! Passport renewal applications can be found online at http://www.ppt.gc.ca. Permanent Residence card renewal applications can be found at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/pr-card/index.asp. Canada is one of the safest, most stable countries in the world. Others are not so lucky. Before leaving the country I encourage everyone to visit www.voyage.gc.ca which contains important information about travelling abroad, including travel reports and warnings as well as information on foreign visa requirements and instructions on how to register as a Canadian travelling abroad.

John McCallum, MP 12

John in the Community

John at the

Unionville Festival Parade

John at Sanatan

Mandir for Senior’s appreciation day

John at the Unionville

Festival Parade

13 Markham—Unionville

John with Mayor

Scarpitti cutting the ribbon at the

Sanatan Mandir Cultural Centre

Family Fair

John Speaking at the

Sanatan Mandir Cultural Centre Family Fair

John at the

Labelad headquarters

John McCallum, MP 14

15 Markham—Unionville

Tell me what you think...

I always appreciate hearing from my constituents. Let me know what is on your mind. Fill out this card, remove it from the booklet, fold it shut and drop it in the mail - remember postage is free to MPs.

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John McCallum, MP 16

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Hon. John McCallum, P.C., M.P. 209 Justice Building House of Commons

Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6