News

40th PARLIAMENT, 3rd SESSION
EDITED HANSARD • NUMBER 011
CONTENTS
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS
Seeds Regulations Act

Mr. Alex Atamanenko (British Columbia Southern Interior, NDP)
moved that Bill C-474, An Act respecting the Seeds Regulations (analysis of potential harm), be read the second time and referred to a committee.

Ottawa, ON – Alex Atamanenko, MP (BC Southern Interior) NDP Agriculture Critic, says it’s time for the government to get their priorities right. “Instead of substantially addressing the farm income crisis affecting so many other sectors the government has chosen to undermine the grain industry, one of the few sectors that is doing just fine,” accused Atamanenko in response to the federal budget.

OTTAWA – People who lost their jobs and other victims of this recession are the losers in this budget while banks whose profits just doubled hit the jackpot, said New Democrat Leader Jack Layton.

Canada and the United States have given Canadian companies a very brief opportunity to compete for US stimulus package dollars worth $4 – $5 Billion. According to BC Southern Interior MP, Alex Atamanenko, this is a lop-sided deal.

BC Southern Interior MP Alex Atamanenko, met with members of the Grand Forks Medical Marijuana Support Group on a January visit to the Boundary town.

Members shared their stories of the challenges of their diseases such as cancer with Atamanenko, and their frustrations with unsuccessful prescription medications to treat their symptoms and conditions. Some members were licensed as Health Canada Medical Marijuana AR licensees, some were family members of medical marijuana users and some were concerned citizens.

Dear Editor,

Similkameen Spotlight

Dear Editor,

I would like to say that I really appreciate Spencer Coyne’s article on food security where he emphasized the need for all of us to support local farmers.

In his op-ed of January 20, 2010, Spencer talks about the control Monsanto has over the seed supply and how it has systematically destroying farms. This point is well documented in two films: The World According to Monsanto and The Future of Food.

Similkameen News Leader

Dear Editor,

I would like to thank Dawn Johnson for her latest column dealing with seniors’ health.

Having just reached the “ripe old age of 65”, I very much appreciate her advice. Proper nutrition, exercise and an active mind are the key ingredients for those of us moving into the final few decades of our life.

Thanks again, Dawn. I enjoy reading all of your columns. Keep up the good work and I appreciate the helpful hints.

Alex Atamanenko, MP
BC Southern Interior

Trail Daily Times

Dear Editor,

In his letter to the editor dated January 21, 2010, the Conservative candidate makes allegations which simply are not true.

Having been a teacher, I can assure him that the potential school closures in our area are of great concern to me and our MLA. The Board of the School District #20 is faced with an almost impossible task – how to keep our schools open in light of provincial government cutbacks.

PASSPORT REMINDER:

Passports:

Stay tuned for news of a March 2010 Opening of an issuing Passport Office in Kelowna!

As of June 1, 2009, the U.S. now requires Canadians to present a valid passport to enter the United States bywater or land, as well as by air. Apply for your passport today to ensure you have it when you need it. It takes 20 WORKING days plus sending and delivery time. Applications can be picked up at most post offices or at Alex’s Constituency offices.