It is hard to believe Summer comes and goes as quickly as it does. I hope you had opportunity to spend time with friends and family. Soon we will be preparing for Fall activities like returning to school, harvesting, and winding up the tourist season. For me, it includes preparing to return to the Legislature and giving a brief update of what I have been doing since you elected me as your MLA.

June was a month of preparing for the Legislature to open. In addition to being your MLA, I hold critic portfolios in Finance, and Agriculture and Lands as a member of the Official Opposition. During the Spring sitting, my colleagues and I accomplished a lot. Among them was helping change the structure of standing committees. This means all parties now have equal representation on all committees. I believe this makes them more productive in addressing Islanders’ priorities. We also passed amendments to improve our targets in combating climate change and a law ensuring partisan advertising is not paid for by tax dollars.

I was also named Chair of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). PAC is responsible for studying audits of public funds expenditures. We begin meeting on a weekly basis September 11th. As an MLA, I have the privilege of recognizing community members, organizations, and issues in the Legislature. My first statement was on the need for a safe active transportation corridor across the Hillsborough Bridge for pedestrians and cyclists. I will be pushing government to make sure this happens.

My second statement recognized the incredible dedication of the members of the Stratford Area Schools Playground Committee. With the help of area residents and business, they raised over $200K! Great job everyone!

I was also pleased to recognize Patti Larsen who has published 111 books. They include children’s books, young adult paranormal, and adult murder mysteries – an incredible accomplishment.

In September, I’ll be starting a series of tea cup challenges! This will be a great opportunity for me to sit down and talk about important issues with groups or organizations from the district of Mermaid-Stratford. If your group would like to participate, please contact me at (902) … You bring the issue, and I will bring the refreshments! Together we can create a solution to meet our needs.

For up-to-date news on my work, follow me on Facebook – www.facebook.com/MicheleBeatonMLA. You can also find me on Twitter – @beaton_michele.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Fall!