Dear: Constituents of Sarnia-Lambton,

As you are aware, our community is faced with the fragility of the on-going economic recovery, which has been somewhat muted across our region as manufacturing and other important jobs have been lost.

Although much effort has been expended in trying to address our community’s economic difficulties, we all know there is much more work to do in order to address the number one concern of citizens in our region: job creation and the economy.

With this in mind, Budget 2013 will build on the momentum created by Economic Action Plan 2012 by focusing on the key pillars of job creation and economic growth, along with maintaining an overarching commitment of a return to balanced federal budgets over the medium term.

These will be the guiding values of the Federal Budget in 2013 and we must not lose sight of these priorities

Considering this, I ask you to assist me in developing a list of budgetary priorities specific to Sarnia-Lambton for 2013 that I can in turn take forward on behalf of our community. Specifically, I hope to receive input from you on initiatives that would encourage job creation across our region.

While considering such initiatives to share with me, I ask that you keep in mind the fiscal realities that will be required in any future budgetary document that seeks a return to balanced budgets in the near future.  To be clear, we must ensure that the Federal government is prudent with the use of taxpayer’s dollars in these times of fiscal austerity.

Please feel free to contact my office for further information. I thank you for your time and look forward to continuing to work with you on issues of importance to Sarnia-Lambton.