There are some major events coming up that are significant to my riding of Simcoe North. The first I would like to tell you about is a News Conference which I am hosting on Thursday January 29 at 11 a.m. at Queen’s Park. The event will launch a Facebook Petition Campaign to the Honourable Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario and John Gerretsen, Minister of Environment, to Stop Dump Site 41.

Those involved with the recent “Walk for Water” will be joined by: Maude Barlow, United Nations First Senior Advisor on Water Issues ; National Chairperson, Council of Canadians; Elizabeth May,  Leader, Green Party of Canada; Danny Beaton, Environmentalist, Turtle Clan, Mohawk Nation; and Stephen Ogden, Community Leader, Stop Dump Site 41, among others.

This is a campaign to stop a dump site on the surface springs and aquifers of Tiny Township and to prevent the pollution of the waters of Georgian Bay. 
 
I also would also like to remind everyone about my pre-budget consultations. The Midland Pre-Budget Consultation is set for Monday February 2, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the Brooklea Golf and Country Club, and the Orillia Pre-Budget Consultation is Wednesday February 4th  8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Highwayman Inn. These sessions follow the same format as the Standing Committee, with presenters allowed ten minutes to speak. Written submissions are also welcome. All information gathered at these sessions will be forwarded to the Ministry of Finance for their consideration in the setting of the Provincial Budget. If you wish to make a presentation at either of the Pre-Budget sessions please contact Mary at my Orillia office 705-326-3246 or 1-800-304-7341.
  
My Ninth Annual Charity Pancake Breakfast is set for Saturday January 31 at the Royal Canadian Legion at 215 Mississaga Street, Orillia from 8 a.m. til 12 noon. The cost is $5.00 per plate ($3.00 for children under 12) .My staff and volunteers will join me and Shaw Maple products in bringing you a wonderful breakfast with all proceeds to Orillia’s Soldier’s Memorial Hospital. I hope to see you there!