Oh, Canada.  What a great country we live in!

As I write this column, all Members of Parliament, including the Prime Minister, have just wrapped up more than 48 hours of around- the-clock debate on the Canada Post back to work legislation.  

Canadians sent a strong message on May 2nd to complete and protect our economic recovery.  That is why we tabled the Restoring Mail Delivery for Canadians Act to ensure resumption and continuation of postal services.

With no sign of the two sides finding agreement, our Government was concerned about the effect the Canada Post stoppage was having on Canada’s economic recovery and on Canadians.

I heard all kinds of stories from constituents as to how this strike was affecting them: businesses couldn’t ship their goods or receive payment, important personal documents delayed people’s emergency travel and more. 

Ultimately, for all Canadians, including postal workers who were going without pay, our Government acted to protect the public interest and the country’s economy as a whole.

So, with some key legislation passed including the Budget and the Fair and Efficient Criminal Trials Act,  Parliament has recessed for the summer and I am back to work in the riding.

It’s hard to believe that it is already the end of June and Canada Day is nearly upon us.  It’s one of the busiest weekends on my schedule and I am looking forward to the opportunity to connect face to face with as many of you as possible at the various activities taking place in the riding.

July 1, I will be up and out at 8am to support the Lake Country Rotary Pancake Breakfast and a Root Beer Garden by the Lions. Entertainment includes the Lake Country Big Band, a variety of local talented musicians, games & rides for the kids and demonstrations by the Fire Department.

At 10am, I will be at the Rotary Centre for the Arts to welcome 94 new Canadian citizens at the Citizenship Ceremony.

At noon, I’ll be at Prospera Place for the official Canada Day Opening Ceremonies where I’ll be cutting the cake and eating it too!  Hope you’ll come down, defy your diet and have a piece as well.

Speaking of food, the Taste of Canada food fair will give you a few options if barbequed hotdogs are not your style.  The fair will feature over 16 different vendors and foods from around the world.  Lots of choices and ethnic flavours - you can’t get more Canadian than that!

And what could be a better accompaniment to great food than some great music.   A variety of music and entertainment for all ages will go on throughout the day concluding with the 17th Annual Kelowna POPS Orchestra Canada Day Spectacular.  This ever popular live orchestral concert will end just in time for audience to enjoy the fireworks. 

These are only a few of the more than the 50 free activities taking place on Canada Day, which are sure to please festival goers all day long. 

Canada Day – Kelowna is a true community festival.  Many thanks to Festivals Kelowna, Folkfest, the Kelowna Canada Day Concerts Society and all the volunteers who work so hard every year to make this celebration happen.  I hope you’ll find the time to come out and enjoy it.

For up to date information on all Canada Day activities please go to  www.festivalskelowna.com .

As for the rest of the summer, I’ll be working right here in the riding.  If you wish to meet with me or want to send a message, please feel free to contact my office at 470-5075 or ron@cannan.ca .
I look forward to talking with as many of you as possible.

Happy Canada Day everyone and have a safe summer!

Ron