The Christmas season is highly anticipated by Members of Parliament. Not only do we get to return to our ridings but we know we will see our families for more than just a few hours on the weekend. Needless to say we are happy to take advantage of it.

But I’m also learning that the Christmas break is an opportunity for the Government to make announcements without interference from the usual detractors across the floor in the House of Commons. Two announcements made this week will have a positive impact on us locally.

The first is the Government’s announcement to invest $526 million in addressing homelessness.

The key elements include a $270 million investment in a new Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS). The program will take a ‘housing-first’ approach to which recognizes that housing stability is an essential first step for those who are homeless or nearly homeless to help them reach self-sufficiency and fully participate in Canadian society.

Federal funding will target the development of transitional and supportive housing and improving programs that help homeless people through skills training, health and substance abuse treatment.

The remaining $256 million will go toward a two-year extension of the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's (CMHC) renovation programs for low-income households. These home modifications help seniors and persons with disabilities remain independent in their homes, and preserve the housing for people who are at risk of homelessness including victims of family violence and Aboriginal peoples.

The second announcement will not only benefit Canadians and the environment but local companies like Okanagan Biofuels.

Agriculture Minister Chuck Strahl and Environment Minister Rona Ambrose have announced details of the Cleaner Fuel – Cleaner Air Biofuels Initiative. The Government will develop regulations that will ensure gasoline contains 5% renewable fuels by 2010, and that diesel fuel and heating oil contain 2% renewable fuels by 2012.

These regulations will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 4 megatonnes annually which is the equivalent of removing almost one million cars from the road.

And it will have a positive effect on our local economy by utilizing biofuel technology created by local firms such as Okanagan Biofuels.

People like Richard Marshall of Okanagan Biofuels have long cautioned that without investment in a biofuels strategy, Canada will quickly lose the opportunity to be leaders in the development of fuel efficient technology. This announcement is an important step in ensuring that companies like Okanagan Biofuels play an important role in providing the world with biofuel solutions that will make for cleaner fuels and cleaner air.

While the critics will continue to say the Government is not doing enough, I think Canadians will come to realize that, step by step, the Government is putting in place an environmental plan that is not only affordable and sustainable but founded on realistic objectives that will have a long-term positive impact on the environment as well as our economy.

Where do we go from here? It has been a whirlwind of a year, both challenging and productive. The Government, despite our minority status, has managed to accomplish much of what we set out to do. Of course the opposition parties have a spring election in mind and things will likely be tougher in the New Year as each of them position themselves to win your votes. Partisan politics, unfortunately, are for the most part unproductive but I am confident that the Prime Minister will find a way to stay on course and continue to move forward for the benefit of Canadians.

One thing is certain, I’ll keep doing my best to move forward on a number of issues that are important to the riding like the airport expansion, the passport office, and our horticulture sector. As well, my staff and I will continue to help you with any difficulties you are having with government programs.

If any of you need to get in contact with me, I’ll be working out of our Kelowna office this week so feel free to get in touch at 470-5075. On December 22 I’m letting my staff take a much needed break until January 2nd when our offices will re-open.

I’ll be here for most of the month of January, returning to Ottawa for a national caucus meeting the last week of January. The House of Commons is set to resume on January 29th.

I encourage you to keep your letters and e-mails coming. I truly appreciate those of you who have taken the time to keep me informed about your feelings, positive or negative, on issues that are important to you. Afterall, despite the fact that the media focuses mainly on the different parties and national issues, when it comes right down to it my job is really about representing this riding and making sure the government is working for you.

Thanks again for the opportunity to be your Member of Parliament for Kelowna-Lake Country. I am humbled and honored and look forward to working with and for you in 2007.

Merry Christmas and all the best for a healthy, happy and peaceful New Year.