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News - March 9, 2010

Senator Doug Finley says he wants to help Port Dover

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Pictured with a framed photo of Port Dover pier presented to Senator Doug Finley and Member of Parliament Diane Finley at the Port Dover Board of Trade’s Annual General Meeting are Norfolk County Mayor Dennis Travale (at right) and Board of Trade President Paul Morris (at left).

Senator Doug Finley told a large gathering at the Board of Trade’s annual General Meeting on Thursday, "I am really delighted to be here this evening with my wife (Port Doverite Hon. Diane Finley, MP)." He then quipped, because of their busy schedules, "it is the first time we have been together in three weeks". He commented that he fell in love twice, "the first time was with Diane and the second time was with this area."

Prime Minister Harper appointed Doug Finley a senator last August. Senator Finley noted "one gets to pick his own designation," so he chose to be known as ‘the Senator of Ontario South Coast’. Senator Finley told the 100 people in attendance at Port Dover Harbour Museum that he favours electing Canada’s senators and if that time comes he will immediately resign his seat.

"I want to sustain and develop this area," he stated. The first thing is the economic crisis that hit Canada with particular force in 2009. He told his listeners the global crisis did not start in Canada and the recession "did not get fuelled in Canada" saying "its epicentre was in the United States." Senator Finley noted "in Canada there was some preparedness … and Canada survived better than others but there were job losses." The Senator commented that US President Barack Obama praised Canada for the organization of its financial system. "Canada went into the downturn with pristine credentials," he stated, adding "but when sliding into this we knew that standing still was not an option, we had to do more, so we developed Canada’s Economic Action Plan."

He listed some of the beneficial aspects of that plan. One of those is the Employment Insurance (EI) plan that pays benefits to individuals who lose their jobs -- it is administered by Hon. Diane Finley, who is Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Regional Minister of Southwestern Ontario. The senator said "Conservatives hate debt but we knew we had to go into debt to provide incentives for people," adding "(these) investments were unprecedented in scope and size, a whole range of things working with Provincial governments."

Bringing his comments closer to this area, Senator Finley commented that one of the things this (Port Dover) area has is population growth, suggesting without population growth there would be little development. "Agriculture is, and will continue to be, the mainstay of the economy in Norfolk County." He urged his listeners to "take advantage of what we have." He mentioned crop experimenting in which the federal government can help.

Senator Finley assured those in attendance at the Board of Trade meeting, "my colleagues in Parliament and in the Senate think this is a tremendous opportunity in South Coast of Ontario. He suggested that ways should be developed for ‘value added’ farm products using the same raw materials. He stated, "build on one of the natural resources of this area (because) it will be easier to attract government funding."

He spoke of new technologies using bamboo and other woods for the extract nano-crystalline cellulose that can have many applications and is biodegradable. Referring to this, he stated "there is an incredible potential for research in Norfolk County". The senator said this process has "a tremendous potential".

Doug Finley told his listeners to be "open minded on climate change (because) growth industries are going to be driven by the environment. He said industry "is looking at ways to handle human waste and to get rid of garbage" -- suggesting those were technology possibilities for Norfolk County. Mentioning solar energy, Senator Finley stated "I’m not so sure it’s ideal for this part of the world."

The guest speaker made a reference to the recent idea of having a motorcycle museum in Port Dover.

In conclusion, Doug Finley assured the gathering in Port Dover on Thursday, "we want to help in any way we can, your Member of Parliament and I are here to help."

Senator Doug Finley was presented with a framed picture of Port Dover harbour.

Norfolk Mayor Dennis Travale

Norfolk County Mayor Dennis Travale praised the Port Dover Board of Trade for its leadership in community projects "for the hardwork and dedication they do". He commented that Ward 6 Councillor John Wells "is steadfast in his beliefs and this year he is Deputy Mayor of Norfolk County." He noted that the county will be spending "lots of money" in Port Dover this year. He acknowledged the strong support Norfolk County has received by Member of Parliament Diane Finley.

New members to Port Dover Board of Trade in 2009 were presented with membership certificates.

Past President Andrew Schneider announced that Joanne Burcham will again chair the Port Dover Perch Derby committee. The 11th annual Perch Derby organized by the Board of Trade opens April 24.

 
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Senator Doug Finley to speak in Port Dover on February 25

Two stop signs for Brant Hill

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Doverwood students' fundraiser for Haiti

Realtors see spring jump

Councillors discuss re-election thoughts at Mayor's Levee

Health Initiative busy but struggles to recruit doctors

Silver Lake empties

Brant Hill condo approved for 28 units

Norfolk County's 2010 insurance premium soars by 39.7%

Water rates going up

Two fire calls on Main Street

New library plans discussed

Volunteers working on new community-based medical centre

Alliance medical centre plans finalized

VIDEO LINK -- Watch ... Earl Hartlen & Tia McGraff's 'Piece of Heaven'

VIDEO LINKS to 2009 Polar Bear Dip


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