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Program: Rick Dykstra MP
The meeting was called to order by President Rick Merritt Grace was said in Hebrew and English by Sam WaltersO Canada was started off by Don Shaw.
A Toast to her Majesty the Queen and Canada was made by President Rick.
The Head Table was introduced: Betty Lou Souter, today’s guest Rick Dykstra, President Rick, Sgt at Arms Larry Ross, Member in the Spotlight Peter Kudreikis and to introduce today’s guests, Scott Heelis.
Scott Heelis introduced our guests:
Visiting Rotarians:
Doug Foss: south Club
Jean Armitage Sunrise Club
Guests of Members:
Bob Merritt, guest of Rick Merritt
Watson Reid, guest of Pat Rooney
Jackie Segwey from Group Study Exchange Kenya, guest of Jean Armitage
Member in the Spotlight: Peter Kudreikis
Peter joined Rotary June 5, 2006 introduced by Tom Arkell. He is the President of Heritage Specialties that markets promotional products. He is married to Mary. Peter is involved with Rotary Youth Exchange, Marketing, Youth Leadership and the Auction Advisory Committee. Civically he is the past President of The St. Catharines Chamber of Commerce, and has a significant track record with Scouts Canada including roles as Pack and Troup Scouter, Service Scouter, Assistant District Commissioner and Gilwellian.
Birthdays:
May 23 Henry Becker
May 24th Dan Patterson (absent) Vicki Rudachuk
May 25th Tim Rigby and Henry Klassen. The photo op included Peggy Davidson who was absent for hers last week. A round of applause followed the singing of Happy Birthday.
Henry Becker, Vicky Rudachuk, Peggy Davidson, Tim Rigby and Henry Klassen |
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Jean Armitage |
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Chris Blake |
President Rick announced that The Program Committee would meet at 5 pm Wednesday May 30 at Rodman Hall.
Jean Armitage introduced Jackie Segwey GSE from Kenya who is visiting Canada from the USA for a few days thanks to a visa approval. Jean reports that our district’s exchange students are maximizing their time in Africa by enjoying self funded extended experiences. Jackie stated that while Kenya is known as the place of 1000 smiles, her experiences with Canada and the USA has unveiled a society that is helpful and friendly. She teaches in Kenya, has a 3 year old child and would one day like to be a Rotarian. This week she has visited Toronto as well as Brock University. To her surprise she met up with an individual at Brock who comes from her own village. The world is indeed a community. President Rick gave Jackie a Club Banner to take home with her.
Chris Blake advised the group that the June 3- 9th RYLA Program sited at Niagara College had two participants drop out due to conflicts with other commitments. Therefore if anyone knows of suitable replacements, please be in touch with him immediately. The age criteria is 19 – 25 years of age and the program focuses on communication, problem solving, conflict resolution, leadership training.
Sam Walters announced that we were coming to the end of our Rotary year. Even the President retires. June 28th will be the date of the “Great Social Event”. Rotarians are encouraged to consult their social calendars and significant others regarding ability to attend this evening event. Tickets will be on sale within two weeks, price point TBA
Norma Medulun reminded the Club of the Police Clearance Certificate process now underway. Members (and spouses where appropriate) are to complete both sides of the form, sign off in front of Norma who will witness the signature and forward for processing. Please bring two pieces of Government Issue ID as part of the sign off process.
Initially, Serge Paquin received a round of applause because he had no story to tell. He then recanted and tossed in $20.00 to celebrate his return from Florida where he enjoyed scuba diving and cave diving.
Norma Medulun is happy that the Niagara Health System is smoke free property wide in one week’s time. No smoking anywhere by anyone on or in any property, building or facility owned, operated or leased by NHS.
Pat Rooney was happy Watson was back. She also advised Chris Bangham of her trip to Leeds Yorkshire where she valiantly tried a Yorkshire Ale in every pub she visited.
Terry McDougall chipped in with a plea for a lead on a sponsor for the Rib Fest Hospitality tent with respect to the provision of non alcoholic beverages and assorted “munchies” at cost.
Rachael Delaney was happy to announce that the Bike and Barge trip was great with no issues regarding the ladies room. France, she added was beautiful.
Betty Lou Souter, wearing her Community Foundation hat recognized a special event held yesterday at the Niagara College green house, adding that what ever makes the flowers beautiful does not enhance hairdos. George Shepherd, Bill Ford and John Potts were recognized for their leadership in fund development. Currently the Foundation holds 5.4 M of endowments. Liz Palmieri was acknowledged for her ongoing leadership to the Foundation.
Dave Haddow was happy to see Watson back
Chris Bangham announced the BAR (Beer at Rotary) Club was now in its third year and would welcome new members.
Peggy Davidson was happy to be out of the Sunshine as of next week, she is looking forward to her trip to England where she pledges to sample many types of ale.
George Park clarified the difference between nooky and gnocchi before proceeding to tell a tale that ultimately results in the neighbors knowing the Coopers are engaged in nooky because the child was out on the balcony with a popsicle.
Oraine DeRosa was happy to have enjoyed time away with her son in Florida where they enjoyed a 4 hour shopaholic marathon. Daughter Katie has started her job with The Standard. Look for the Katie DeRosa byline soon.
Roger Segalin stated he now knows the Court Jester role is an important one as the origin of the role was to keep the King happy so there would be no one sent to their death.
President Rick welcomed his father Bob Merritt to his first ever Rotary meeting.
John Tavers had ticket number 3772 for a chance at $256.50. The pot grows.
were excused with apologies to the Speaker
Speaker
Betty Lou Souterintroduced today’s speaker Rick Dykstra, MP for St. Catharines. Rick was raised and educated in St. Catharines. He helped to establish and build the Dykstra family business. Married to Kathy, they have three children. Prior to his election he was a partner in Dykstra Owens Public Affairs. He was a two term St. Catharines City Councilor (91-97) for St. Patrick Ward, chaired the budget committee that froze taxes for two years. He is a Commissioner for the Niagara Parks Commission. He worked for the Ontario government in the Ministry of Community and Social Services and in the Office of the Premier. He became a member of Parliament January 23, 2006 and sits on the House of Commons Standing Committees for Justice and Finance.
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Betty-Lou Souter, Rick Dykstra, President Rick Merritt |
Rick stated that his job is to advocate for the needs of the city and its citizens. He stated that whenever anyone tells him to “get the lead out” he retorts that it is in the water. His election gave him the responsibility of the position and many opportunities. “Time flies by”. There is a new opportunity every day. It is an honor to serve in this capacity as only 4,000 people have been elected to Parliament. Rick credited competent office staff for keeping things moving . His office has received over 40,000 emails and 2,000 letters. Communication through Town Hall meetings, interactive websites, monthly news letters post card 10%ers help to inform the people and garner responses to current issues. Of note is the fact there are only 5 urban ridings of which we are one. The balance are all rural ridings.
He has received over 100 written requests from other Ministries regarding issues affecting St. Catharines. He has spoken 90 times in the House of Commons. You win some you lose some.
His practice is to draw a parallel to what the implications are for St. Catharines to any given situation. “What are the benefits to this for St. Catharines?”
Rick loves hockey and is able to play 2 to 3 times a week while in Ottawa. He postured that the Liberals don’t play as they lost the last time and are uncertain of they are left wing right wing or should play down the middle.
Politics is very Partisan especially with 4 Parties and a minority government. However he has met very few politicians who are not there for their Riding.
He sits on the Standing Committee of Finance, has sat on the Standing Committee for Health before being moved to the Standing Committee on Justice. “We are correcting the imbalance injustice”.
Committee work can be a struggle because of the minority government however it requires that everyone must work closely together to move things along and effect change.
The Justice perspective is different between the parties. The C-9 Bill was not as strong as the Conservatives would have liked because of the 33 clauses initially, 22 were removed. Perhaps the Bill will be revisited when there is a Majority Government.
The Senate are not elected, they are appointed. And can hold up the process because they go through the exact process of review of each bill before it is passed.
There are no plans for an election this summer as it is felt that it is time to govern for a while and to implement the agenda.
On the Environmental Legislation: The Kyoto Accord is okay however we have not kept our objectives and we are far behind it. We can not move forward on it at the expense of the economy. Balance over time is what is needed.
On Income Splitting for Seniors: St. Catharines is one of the oldest demographic ridings in Canada. Income splitting is an expensive proposition.
Ottawa needs to know what St. Catharines needs so we must work together to make that known.
Rick shared two anecdotal stories about his travels: One was taking the bus from the Ottawa airport to downtown, only to discover that exact change was required and without that a $20.000 is an expensive trip but a stranger intervened and paid his way with loonies. He endured much ribbing about this experience.
Chauffeured by his parents to the Hamilton airport one morning he urged his dad to hurry lest he miss the plane much to the chagrin of his mother who worried about the potential for a speeding ticket. At the airport he jumped out, running to the get his pass when he realized his mother had also jumped out and was running with him, as mom wanted to ensure he made the plane and was not late for work. At the age of 41 it is good to be kept humble.
The 45 minute Q and A in Parliament is not the main focus of the business of government but it is often what the media reports. Decorum needs to be preserved at al times.
The energy efficient program was cancelled when it was realized that 50% of the money went to administer the program. The program is under a revamp to ensure that the actual intent of the program is met.
Earl Alton thanked the Speaker and was glad Rick took his advice out on the golf course in September 05 about how to get the party in power. He also noted that Income Splitting will be popular with Rotarians in the Club given our age demographics.
President Rick presented the speaker thank you certificate with contribution going to Literacy.
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MP Rick Dykstra & President Rick Merritt |
Next week: Youth Exchange and Beckki’s farewell.
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