Report from Parliament's Hill - April 124th

By Prince George - Peace River M.P. Jay Hill

Taking Care of Business For Canadians

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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