KELOWNA - July was a busy month in our riding with a visit from the Prime Minister as well as Cabinet Ministers dropping in to make some important funding announcements.

The Prime Minister joined us on July 9th at a Conservative Party event and barbecue at the home of Colin and Susan Ives. Hosted by the Kelowna-Lake Country Electoral District Association, many party faithful from a number of Conservative ridings in the region came to talk to the Prime Minister, have their picture taken with him, and enjoy a barbecue and some great entertainment.

Minister of Public Safety Stockwell Day dropped in July 10th to make the announcement of a $4 million payment to the Province under the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements for forest fires which occurred in BC in 2003. This payment builds on previous payments by the federal government which to date totals $141.6 million. Payments are made at the request of the Province as further eligible provincial expenditures are identified.

Minister Day made a second announcement July 12th on behalf of Transport , Infrastructure and Communities Minister Lawrence Cannon. Minister Day announced $11 million to improve Central Okanagan Transit. The announcement officially marked the transfer of the $11 million in federal funding to begin the Bus Rapid Transit(BRT) system in the Central Okanagan. In attendance at the announcement were Provincial Minister Tom Christensen on behalf of Ida Chong, her Worship Sharon Shepherd, Robert Hobson of the Union of British Columbia Municipalities on behalf of President Brenda Binnie as well as myself Ron Cannan, Member of Parliament for Kelowna-Lake Country.

On July 13th, Minister of Agriculture, the Honourable Chuck Strahl together with Provincial Minister Pat Bell announced an investment of $8 million ($5 million federal, $3 million provincial)to help to revitalize the BC Fruit Industry. A special note of thanks to President of the BC Fruitgrowers Association Joe Sardinha and his membership who worked hard to see this happen. The funds will provide for the removal and renewal of plant stock and the development of strategic regional plans.

I want to thank the Prime Minister and Cabinet for listening to my concerns and for responding to the issues that are important to our riding. All of these announcements are a result of the hard work and cooperation of a number of individuals, organizations and different levels of government and I am pleased that this level of cooperation has resulted in such great news for our region.

Ron Cannan, MP
Kelowna-Lake Country