June is Seniors' Month

By Ken Boshcoff
M.P. T. Bay-RR

During the month of June, we recognize and value the contributions made by seniors every day in communities all across our riding. We all appreciate the enormous debt that is owed to seniors throughout Canada. It was these generations that helped to build our country.
The Canadian Centre for Philanthropy had introduced some very interesting statistics regarding the giving and volunteering of seniors. In the year 2000, seniors volunteered an astounding 179 million hours, up from 161 million hours in 1997! The majority of volunteering by seniors occurred in three types of organizations: arts, culture and recreation organizations, social services, and religious organizations.
This is certainly true of the activities of seniors in my riding. They are asked to lead committees, provide direction on setting up projects, plan programs and mentor other volunteers. Through the example of their own involvement they have been the catalyst for the next generation of volunteers.
As many community activities wind down for the summer months this is also an excellent time for organizations to evaluate the involvement of seniors. Volunteering by older people benefits everyone. Consider the maturity, skills and experience that they bring to the activity!
Throughout the month of June, I encourage you to salute the seniors in our riding for their unselfish caring and giving to better our communities.
Help the Farmers
In a speech in the House of Commons this week, Ken Boshcoff M.P. Thunder Bay-Rainy River urged the Government to help local farmers who have been severely impacted by the drought. The text of the speech is below:
“Mr. Speaker, the Thunder Bay, Rainy River, Kenora and Algoma districts have been suffering from a severe drought for nearly 12 months.
Cattle producers have been forced to sell down their stock and farmers have no money with which to buy supplies for the spring seeding.
The Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and his parliamentary secretary have both indicated that money is available. The minister stood in the House on April 17 and said he had put forward a disaster relief framework to which all provinces have agreed.
It has been three long weeks since the minister announced $7.5 million in drought relief funding for Prince George, British Columbia, but the farmers across northwestern Ontario continue to wait for help.
I call on the minister to stop the delays and provide funds to help the farmers in Thunder Bay, Rainy River, Kenora and Algoma districts.”