For more information or removal from the list, please contact us by email at [email protected] Richmond Centre Constituency Office 300-8120 Granville Avenue, Richmond, BC, V6Y 1P3 Tel: (604) 775-0754 Fax: (604) 775-0898 C o m m u n i t y E B u l l e t i n F o r R i c h m o n d C e n t r e Rob Howard, MLA, Richmond Centre Issue Dec. 11 For further information and video footage, please visit www.robhowardmla.bc.ca As the year draws to a close, it is time to reflect on the past year - from new legislation to provide property tax relief for downtown Richmond, to chairing the Finance Committee, and to making major progress on the work to increase air access to BC, it has been a very productive year! I would also like to thank my family - Trudy and Jay, who have sacrificed a great deal to allow me to do my job. As a Province, we are full of prospect and hope, and we will work to continue our Province’s success. From our family to yours- Wishing you a Merry Christmas, a Happy Holiday Season, And all the hope a New Year can bring! Rob Howard, MLA, Richmond Centre Chair, Select Standing Committee, Finance and Government Services Member, Cabinet Committee, Jobs and Economic Growth Provincial Lead , Air Access Rob has been hard at work as the Chair of the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services, as it prepared its findings for public reports. The “Report on the Budget 2012 Consultations”, highlights priorities, as noted by members of the public, which includes, “Competitiveness, Jobs and Economic Growth”, “Programs and Spending Priorities”, and “Fiscal Policy and Taxation Measures.” http://www.leg.bc.ca/cmt/39thparl/session-4/ fgs/reports/PDF/Rpt-FGS-39-4-1stRpt- Budget2012Consultations-2011-NOV-15.pdf The second report , “Annual Review of the Budgets of the Independent Legislative Offices”, outlined the committee’s examination and recommendations for the budgets of the 8 statutory officers of the Province. http://www.leg.bc.ca/cmt/39thparl/session-4/ fgs/reports/PDF/Rpt-FGS-39-4-2ndRpt- AnnualRevBudgetsIndLegOffices-2011-DEC- 14.pdf In efforts to promote increased air access to our province, Rob met in Ottawa with Federal counter- parts, in hopes of creating an even stronger partnership, and to continue in the direction of allowing more flights to our country. The message was well received, making the trip very successful. The benefits of improved air access, beyond the convenience of more flight choices and cheaper fares, has been estimated to benefit our Provincial economy by $800 Million. How can you help? 1. Write us a letter supporting enhanced air access. 2. Further distribute this e-newsletter to potential Air Access Coalition Members. 3. Let us know of your air travel concerns. Simply tell us your story via email or on our ‘Open Skies 4 Canada’ Facebook page. 4. Arrange for us to come and discuss air access issues with your group and/or association. 5. Use your n etworks and/ or newslette rs to promote the benefits of more international traffic. (And, please provide us with copies; we would be pleased to provide you with materials) 6. Let your MP know of your support for enhanced air access. The Federal Government has done much on this file and we need to continue to work with them so we can reach our full potential. Rob met with Senator Nancy Greene Raine in Ottawa to discuss the importance of enhanced air access.