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OTTAWA – Students from the Thames Valley School Board were recognized in Parliament this week by NDP MP Irene Mathyssen (London-Fanshawe), for their efforts in raising awareness and advocating for the children of Attawapiskat.

From CPP and GIS applications, to income taxes, and programs to help seniors stay in their homes longer, the application forms can be confusing and intimidating.

Ms. Irene Mathyssen (London—Fanshawe, NDP):

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to participate in this debate because I certainly support the measures in Bill C-51 that we have discussed, particularly the home renovation tax credit. Many people in my riding have availed themselves of this tax credit. I will support it because these people have pursued it in good faith.

Unfortunately, however, this budget bill did not go nearly far enough. It was very limited in terms of its application. I regret that it did not focus on home retrofits, energy saving, money saving and environmentally saving our communities in terms of making a real effort to be practical, and retrofits would have done that. They would have also created green collar jobs.

Ms. Irene Mathyssen (London-Fanshawe, NDP):

...However, we need to be cognizant about what is missing from this bill and I would like to go back to that. While the CPP adjustments are very good, providing an increase in security for seniors, some flexibility, and a reduced incentive for early retirement, these are still lacking. They are lacking because they do not provide enough security for seniors.

Ms. Irene Mathyssen (London-Fanshawe, NDP):Mr. Speaker, I thank all the members who have made a contribution to this debate.

This bill, my made in Canada bill, will go a long way toward building new markets for Canadian suppliers, strengthening sustainability and fulfilling our environmental commitment while encouraging Canadian entrepreneurship. This bill will help support sectors in crisis, including the auto, steel and forestry sectors, and replace the government's ad hoc approach with a consistent policy.

OTTAWA – November serves as Women Abuse Prevention Month and New Democrats are incredibly disheartened by the Conservative government failure to address violence against women.

The Middlesex-London Health Unit has provided an update to area Members of Parliament in regard to the local situation regarding the handling of the H1N1 strain of influenza to help keep citizens info

London – The 350.org movement, the Sisters of St. Joseph and the London Public Library co-sponsored an International Day of Climate Action on Saturday, October 24, 2009.

Ms. Irene Mathyssen (London—Fanshawe, NDP): Mr. Speaker, I present a petition on behalf of the Duchess of Kent Legion, Branch 263. The Legion has fallen into financial difficulty with the Canada Revenue Agency due to a theft of GST funds by a former employee.