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May 25, 2013 at 02:06 AM


Welcome to my online office. I have set up this website to give you a chance
to interact with me directly and to learn a little bit more about my work to
Stand Up for St. Catharines in Ottawa. I hope you will take the time to read
my blog, check out the community calendar and look at the services available
through my Community Office. Most of all, I hope you will take the time to
communicate your ideas and concerns by commenting on my blog, voting for the
online polls or sending me an e-mail. This website is here for you, so
please share your thoughts and ideas.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Rick Dykstra

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration

 
 

Government of Canada launches call for proposals for projects led and inspired by seniors
May 22, 2013 at 12:00 AM

GATINEAU, QC, May 22, 2013 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is seeking applications for projects that will help seniors use their leadership abilities, energy and skills to continue to make a difference in their communities through the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP).

The 2013-2014 NHSP call for proposals for community-based projects was launched today by the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors).

"Our government recognizes the importance of supporting organizations that are dedicated to improving the lives of seniors," said Minister of State Wong. "Initiatives such as the New Horizons for Seniors Program help seniors to lead and participate in community activities that strengthen their well-being and quality of life."

NHSP community-based project funding enables seniors to share their knowledge, skills and experiences with others and helps communities increase their capacity to address local issues. Organizations may receive up to $25,000 in grant funding per year and must address one or more of the program's five objectives: volunteering, mentoring, expanding awareness of elder abuse, social participation and capital assistance.

The application deadline will be July 5, 2013, in all provinces and territories except Quebec, which will close on September 6, 2013, to coincide with a provincial call for proposals.

For more information and to apply for funding, visit seniors.gc.ca.

Government initiatives such as the NHSP help to ensure that seniors maintain their personal health and well-being. Economic Action Plan 2013 proposes to better safeguard the well-being of seniors in a variety of areas, including financial services, financial literacy and health.

See next page for Backgrounder...

Read more...
Members of Parliament pass Anaphylaxis Awareness Motion
May 23, 2013 at 04:27 PM

Canadian Anaphylaxis Initiative pleased with “step in right direction”

May 23, 2013 – OTTAWA – MPs’ votes in the House of Commons last night included the passing of Motion 230, a motion to raise awareness of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening medical condition brought on by severe allergies. This is welcomed news for family members of the Canadian Anaphylaxis Initiative (CAI), a volunteer network of concerned families who have been working with MPs to raise awareness of severe allergies in Ottawa.

The anaphylaxis motion passed with unanimous, all-Party support. Niagara West-Glanbrook MP Dean Allison initiated the debate in the House of Commons, moving: That in the opinion of the House, anaphylaxis is a serious concern for an increasing number of Canadians and the government should take the appropriate measures necessary to ensure these Canadians are able to maintain a high quality of life.

“By bringing more attention and awareness to the Canadian public, our debate in Parliament has helped Canadians understand the signs, dangers and consequences of an anaphylactic reaction,” said MP Dean Allison. “With the passing of this motion, Canadians living with anaphylaxis receive much needed recognition from our government. We stand with them in their efforts to promote awareness of the condition.”

“We thank Dean, and MP Rick Dykstra before him, for raising our concerns for a more focused approach to the issues of anaphylaxis in successive Parliaments,” says Ms. Paskey, a CAI founder present in the House of Commons gallery for the vote. “We are so pleased to have such overwhelming support for greater awareness. It’s a step in the right direction and we hope MPs and officials in Ottawa will follow through with some important actions which can provide greater safety for a growing number of Canadians coping with anaphylaxis.”

The CAI has identified 5 policy areas that Ottawa can review that include:

• Federal Coordination – of programs and services dealing with anaphylaxis and food allergy information
• Coordinated Awareness Campaigns – of national, general public information initiatives and accurate and targeted information to specific professional groups
• Long Term Commitment to Research – supporting a strategic response and more dollars for research
• Improved Allergen Labeling – for foods, drugs, cosmetic and personal care products
• Improved Transportation Safeguards– relating to airline and public transportation policies that reduce risks for food allergic passengers

“Our group of families would like to see the increased awareness of the condition spur progress on the 5 policy areas, all which are in line with Motion 230.” Ms. Paskey adds, “There is a constituency of thousands of families across Canada who will support MPs who wish to pursue activities, whether it is with Health Canada, or in the MPs’ health committee, or a more accommodating allergy policy for airlines.”

For more information on M-230 and CAI, visit cai-allergies.ca

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NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE FILM SELECTED FOR NEW YORK FILM FESTIVAL
May 24, 2013 at 08:59 AM

“The Angel Inn” movie is Manhattan bound.

The feature-length indie film has been selected as part of the 2013 Manhattan Film Festival (June 20-30), a yearly event showcasing a diverse film lineup ranging from student filmmakers and first time directors/actors to the industry’s most accomplished talent.

The MFF is the first film festival for the Niagara-on-the-Lake project since its premiere at the Shaw Festival Theatre this past January.

“The Angel Inn” Movie has been a labor of love for writer/director Kirk Schriefer, who was passionate about putting the Niagara brand in the film about three life-long friends, torn apart by tragedy and brought together again through an emotional journey of forgiveness and romance when they co-inherit a pub.

The Manhattan Film Festival will screen “The Angel Inn”  at 9:15pm on Monday, June 24th at the Quad Cinema, 34 W 13th St., New York.                                      
For more info: www.screenbooker.com/view-events/378/qv59u7qkaf

Ron Mann – Canada’s foremost documentary filmmaker has also picked up the movie for Canadian distribution through his company filmswelike, a Toronto-based boutique distributor of documentary and independent Canadian films. Since its founding it 2002, filmswelike has released more than 160 films including and most recently Miguel Gomes award-winning Tabu (2012).

“The Angel Inn” is brought to life by a well-rounded cast of young stars including Degrassi: The Next Generation’s Daniel Kelly as lead character “Pete Miller”.

To view a 90 sec. trailer of “The Angel Inn” visit www.angelinnthemovie.com.  

For all other information, please contact: Kirk Schriefer, Director   E-mail:        Direct: 905 933-7804

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