Roy Cullen, M.P.

Dear Friends,

As I look toward my calendar, I see an important parliamentary session coming to a close, and that gives me an opportunity to reflect on what has been accomplished by our government over the past few months.

During the session, I have received a large volume of correspondence and constituent input on two particular pieces of legislation. These are Bill C-5, The Species at Risk Act, and Bill C-15B, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (cruelty to animals and firearms) and the Firearms Act. The Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable

Development closely studied Bill C-5, and there were many amendments made to this bill throughout this process. I supported this legislation, and although it is not a perfect law, it is a great start toward protecting those species that are currently threatened. I also supported Bill C-15B, which opposes the inhumane treatment of animals, and raises the maximum penalty for intentional cruelty.

One of the highlights of this session for myself was the opportunity to participate in a Team Canada trade mission to India with the Minister for International Trade, Hon. Pierre Pettigrew. This was a unique experience and an opportunity to meet face-to-face with officials at our High Commission in New Delhi, with whom we have many dealings. Moreover, in February, I had the opportunity to represent the government of Canada in London, England, with the Secretary of State for International Financial Institutions. We met with investment bankers and traders and highlighted the strength of the Canadian economy and discussed the performance of the Canadian dollar vis-à-vis the USA dollar.

Now that this Parliamentary session has ended, I am looking forward to returning to the riding to meet with the constituents of Etobicoke North over the coming months. I hope to see you all at my annual picnic on August 11^th.

Please accept my best wishes for a safe and happy summer.

Sincerely,

Roy Cullen, M.P.

T H E R O Y C U L L E N R E P O R T

New Passport Rules

The Liberal government is ensuring that the Canadian passport remains one of the most advanced and trustworthy travel documents in the world.

Well before the terrorist attacks of September 11, the Government of Canada was working on ways to enhance passport security. In December 2001, we tightened the rules for passport applications.

The biggest change is that Canadian children – even infants – will now need their own passports when they travel abroad. In the past, they were listed on their parents’ passports. This new policy will help to discourage the abduction and trafficking of children.

The Government has also modified the criteria for identification documents and guarantors. For example, certificates of baptism from Quebec are no longer accepted in lieu of birth certificates. Assumed names will no longer be permitted on passports. Bank officers can no longer be guarantors.

New fees

The Government of Canada has set new fees for passports that reflect the cost of providing better service and security.

The Passport Office is a self-funded agency. That means it depends solely on revenue generated from selling passports. Over the last few years, the Passport Office has spent tens of millions of dollars modernizing its operations. Costs have gone up, but revenues have not. Passport fees have stayed the same since 1992.

The new fees are:

Children under three : $20

Children three to 15 : $35

Adults (over 16) : $85

Getting a passport is still less expensive in Canada than it is in many other countries.

Processing time

There are 29 passport offices across Canada providing personalized service. You can also submit your passport application to the office of your Member of Parliament. All applications are processed in Gatineau, Quebec. Because of the increased number of passport applications since September 11, and the introduction of enhanced security measures, average processing time has risen to 30-35 days. Under normal conditions, however, you can usually get your passport about ten working days from the day you bring in the application. If you mail in your application, you can expect to wait about 20 working days.

If you need to get your passport quickly, urgent and express services are available under certain conditions. If you are entitled to pick-up in 24 hours, you will have to pay the regular passport fee plus $70. For pick-up in two to nine days, you will pay the passport fee plus $30.

For more information about passports, please consult the Passport Office web site at www.ppt.gc.ca.

Developing Toronto’s

Transportation Infrastructure

As a leading city in both North America and the world, Toronto is experiencing considerable growth and development. It is therefore crucial that the city's transportation infrastructure and public transit systems keep pace with expansion. Linking Canada's busiest rail station to its largest airport is an important step that will benefit travellers and commuters, especially those living in Etobicoke North.

As the first step in the process, technical and financial studies were commissioned to assess the feasibility of the air-rail link. Building on the positive results of these studies, in April 2001, Transport Canada requested expressions of interest to gauge the private sector's willingness to participate in the project and to assess various options. The department received a strong response from the private sector and has qualified four respondents, who will be invited in the near future to respond to a request for proposals. Transport Canada is now analyzing issues raised by the respondents.

It is Transport Canada's goal that the link complement existing public transit services and improve connectivity among transportation systems. A strong case can and should be made for using existing infrastructure, much of which is already in place, wherever possible. The project presents a unique opportunity for a public-private partnership in which the private sector will finance, design, build and operate the service.

Roy presents $30,245 in federal funding to Dan Albergaria - Executive Director at Youth Without Shelter.