On Thursday, Stephen Harper’s Conservative Government introduced legislation to help ensure that sentences for crimes against seniors in Canada properly fit the severity of the offence.

The Harper Government has a responsibility to protect Canadians and to ensure that those who commit crimes against them are reprimanded appropriately.

The legislation, introduced Thursday, would help ensure that sentences for crimes against the elderly reflect the significant impact that these crimes have on their lives.  This amendment to the Criminal Code would allow a senior’s age to be taken into account as an aggravating factor for sentencing purposes.

This initiative builds on action our Government has already delivered, including the launch of the Federal Elder Abuse Initiative (FEAI) in 2008.  This program helps seniors and others recognize the signs and symptoms of elder abuse.  We also continue to address elder abuse through the New Horizons for Seniors Program and its elder abuse awareness campaigns.

Simply put, elder abuse will not be tolerated.

Canadians can count on the Harper Government to combat elder abuse in all its forms and continue to work for safer streets and communities across the country.

“ I am pleased to announce that the “Report to Canadians” was tabled on December 9, 2011 in the House  of Commons, The report covers the period from April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011.

As you may know, the Report to Canadians is an annual, non-partisan report that presents detailed information on the work of Members of the House of Commons and describes the activities and initiatives undertaken by the House Administration in support of Members and the institution.

I would also like to note that the Report to Canadians 2011 includes expanded information on the work of Members in the constituencies and in caucus. In addition, the report contains an insert displaying the photos of Members of the 40th Parliament as of April 1, 2011. If you would like to view the report, you can obtain a copy of the online edition of the report, which is available at the following link: Report to Canadians 2011”

The British Under Secretary of State for Defence, Lord Astor of Hever, reiterated the continuing commitment of the British government’s support for British Army Training Unit Suffield (BATUS).This statement came as the answer to a question asked in the British House of Lords by the Right Honourable Lord Jopling surrounding the future of BATUS in Suffield.

Lord Jopling during the NATO Inter-Parliamentary Meeting last December in Washington, DC.

“The people in our riding understand the significance of the continuing partnership between the Canadian and British government,” said Payne. “Each year, hundreds of British soldiers come to our region to train for important operations, while contributing to our local economy.

Canada has a special relationship with the United Kingdom, and I am pleased to hear of the British government’s ongoing commitment to train at Canadian Forces Base Suffield.”According to the Under Secretary of Defence, the British army will maintain their current training area in Suffield to prepare its forces for operations.

“Our presence at the British Army Training Unit Suffield also reflects the UK’s close and valued defence relationship with Canada,” wrote Lord Astor of Hever.The first British training exercises at Suffield date back to the Second World War.

A lease between the Canadian and British governments was signed in 1971 which enabled the British to train CFB Suffield, and has been subsequently been renewed as recently as 2006. Currently, BATUS employs more than 200 full time staff and military personnel.