TAY REPORT MARCH 17, 2010
MPP DUNLOP: HONOURING HEROES AND MEET AND GREET

I am pleased to report that Speaker Steve Peters responded my request that the Ontario Legislative Assembly fly its’ flags at half mast at Queen’s Park, for fallen police officers, firefighters and emergency workers.

On Tuesday, March 9, 2010, after returning from the funeral of Peel Police Constable James Ochakovsky, I stood up in the Legislature and stated, “...I noticed out front that we don't even have the flags at half-mast. I'm wondering if it's a policy that we don't do that anymore or if it has been overlooked, but I'd like to see the flags put at half-mast.”

According to the Speaker’s Office, after my request, protocol was changed to ensure that flags at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario will be flown at half mast, from sunrise to sunset, on the day of the funeral for any fallen police officer, firefighter or emergency worker.

This has been a very tragic few weeks for us here in Ontario, especially within the policing community. I feel it is important to pay tribute and respect to our heroes and their families by lowering our flags here at Queen’s Park.
 
We need to do all that we can to honour those who risk their lives in order to protect ours.

The large flags at Queen’s Park were also flown at half mast on Friday March 12, to recognize the contributions made by OPP Constable Vu Pham who was laid to rest that day in Wingham, Ontario.

I would like to take this opportunity to remind you about a “Meet and Greet” being hosted by Simcoe North MP Bruce Stanton and myself this coming Saturday March 20th at the Washago Community Centre. It will run from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This is one of eleven “Meet and Greet” events we will be holding from now through mid August around the region. It is our hope that constituents will attend sessions to say hello and discuss any concerns either Federal or Provincial.