Dear Friends,

Another important parliamentary session has come to a close. During this session, the government addressed many of the priorities of Canadians, by taking several key steps on the economy, health care, the environment, and safe communities. Since September 2002, the government has introduced 48 government Bills with 20 Bills expected to receive Royal Assent by summers' end.

One of the highlights of this session, for me personally, was the progress made with my Private Member's Bill C-212, An Act Respecting User Fees. On June 12th 2003, my bill received tremendous support from the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance, by receiving unanimous approval at committee stage. Following this success, it will now be referred back to the House of Commons for third and final reading, which is expected in the fall.

On March 22, 2003, I facilitated a meeting of women entrepreneurs in Etobicoke North with the Chair of the Prime Minister's Task Force on Women Entrepreneurship, to examine the challenges faced by women-owned businesses. I believe that it is important for the government to listen to the specific concerns and ideas of women entrepreneurs throughout Canada and Etobicoke North. Through these concerted efforts, the government is better positioned to develop a national strategy for women entrepreneurs, and advance the interests of women entrepreneurs in the Canadian economy.

On July 11th 2003, I had the honour of presenting to Humber College, and to the Centre of Foreign Trained Professionals and Tradespeople, contributions of $400,000 and $350,000 dollars respectively, for two worthy projects. Humber College will work with its partner in Tanzania to promote training in micro-finance management, while the Centre offers assistance to foreign trained professionals in finding work related to their field of study. I am very pleased that our government is supporting these initiatives and helping new Canadians to gain the necessary experience and knowledge needed for employment and integration into Canadian society.

Now that this parliamentary session has ended, I have returned to the riding to meet with constituents of Etobicoke North over the coming months. I especially hope to see you at my picnic on August 17th! For any questions or information about events, I encourage you to visit my website at www.roycullen.com. Please accept my best wishes for a safe and happy summer.

Yours sincerely,

Roy Cullen, M.P.

On Thursday June 12th, 2003, Roy Cullen, Member of Parliament for Etobicoke North, received an
encouraging show of support from the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance as his private members bill, Bill C-212, An Act Respecting User Fees, received unanimous approval at committee stage, and was referred back to the House of Commons for third and final reading, which is expected in the fall.

After hearing from several key witnesses for three weeks, the Finance Committee examined Bill C-212 clause-by-clause and debated eighteen amendments to the Bill introduced by Mr. Cullen, of which sixteen were carried. Bill C-212 subsequently passed unanimously. The amendments introduced by Mr. Cullen are designed to improve the Bill, and are based on input and comments from witnesses, colleagues in the House of Commons, stakeholder groups, and the government.

Bill C-212, while recognizing the legitimacy of user fees for proprietary goods and services, highlights the following :

• The establishment of an independent dispute resolution process to address complaints;
• The need for greater stakeholder participation in the fee-setting process;
• The requirement for more comprehensive stakeholder impact and competitiveness analysis when new user fees, or fee increases, are contemplated ;
• The establishment of standards which departments and agencies must adhere to or else face a reduction in the user fee collected equivalent to the unachieved performance; and
• The need for more parliamentary oversight when user fees are introduced or changed.