I hope that you are all enjoying the summer! The House of Commons has risen, and I am spending my time criss-crossing our beautiful rural riding meeting with businesses, farmers, non-profits, municipalities, and other constituents to get their feedback and share information about funding opportunities and programs that the federal government offers. Contact my office if you would like me to pay your organization a visit.

Before the summer recess, we finished our report on low-emissions buildings, and we also passed important environmental assessment legislation (Bill C-69) back to the House, with over 100 amendments to improve it. For my part, my experience in the megadump fight alongside so many of my fellow community members has shown me how important it is to have strong public participation. So, I tabled amendments that provide for “meaningful”public participation, which strengthens the language in the law, and will lead to stronger regulations on this issue. This will be a big win for public participation. I also

pushed for amendments that take into account using the term “indigenous knowledge,” rather than “traditional knowledge” throughout the bill, which is inresponse to the excellent input we have received from Indigenous communities.

We also proposed amendments that incorporate the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) into this bill. The bill has now passed through the House of Commons, and at the time that the bill passes the Senate, it would be our first government bill that incorporates UNDRIP. This will be a landmark moment, and something that we can all be proud of!

I was also happy to announce over $845,000 toward the cost of the water main extension for the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, and nationally our government has now lifted 66 long-term boil water advisories on reserve. This is real progress, and we are committed to doing more!

I am actively trying to get the word out about our once in a generation opportunity for affordable housing funding. I encourage interested municipalities, non-profits

indigenous organizations and the private sector to contact my office to find out more. Note: this funding is not for personal dwellings.

And good news: starting on July 20th 2018, the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) will be raised to keep up with the cost of living. This will give Canadian parents even more money each month to help them provide for their children. The CCB puts approx. $5.9 million every month into the pockets of low and middle income families in Hastings- Lennox and Addington alone, who spend that money locally and help fuel our local economy. The CCB helps the parents of almost 17,000 kids in our community to have money for kids' sports or arts programs, summer camps, clothes, books, or food on the table!

Most importantly, because of the CCB, more than half a million people – including almost 300,000 children – are being lifted out of poverty, which is a 40% decrease in child poverty in Canada.

I also have great news for seniors, including information on pharmacare, OAS, GIS, and accessibility, which I encourage you to read about in full on the back page of this newsletter.

As always, never hesitate to reach out to me and my team whenever you have ideas, concerns, or questions. We love to hear from you!

Yours in service, Mike