The Second Session of Canada's 40th Parliament in Ottawa may have concluded for the summer, but Newmarket-Aurora MP Lois Brown is busier than ever - albeit closer to home.
 
"I enjoy advocating in Ottawa for Newmarket-Aurora and our riding has certainly seen the results. However I am looking forward to spending time with constituents, attending local activities and events and generally taking the pulse of the riding over the next two months," said Ms. Brown. Barely arriving back in Newmarket late Friday in time to participate in the Relay for Life, MP Brown attended numerous events over the weekend including the Fairy Lake Artisan's Festival and 30th Annual PACE Polo For Heart, before representing the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, at a speaking in engagement in Scarborough.
 
Monday's schedule started early with several constituent meetings throughout the day followed by Aurora High School graduation ceremonies. 
 
Representing the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of the Environment on Tuesday, Lois joined the Nature Conservancy of Canada and other partners in announcing the future conservation of 29 hectares of important land in the Happy Valley Forest, in King Township. The purchase marks another achievement under the Government of Canada's $225-million Natural Areas Conservation Program.

 
"The Government of Canada is proud of the results achieved through the Natural Areas Conservation Program since its inception two years ago, which greatly benefit our country's biodiversity," said Minister Prentice. "It is fitting that today's announcement is back in Happy Valley Forest, where Prime Minister Harper announced the creation of our partnership with non-government conservation organizations such as the Nature Conservancy of Canada, to celebrate yet another important conservation project that will continue to provide a vital home for species at risk such as the Hooded Warbler and the Cerulean Warbler."
 
The Happy Valley Forest's rolling landscape contains high-quality, older-growth forest with impressive stands of mature American Beech, Sugar Maple, and Eastern Hemlock.
The property also contains a spring and headwater stream - part of the Lake Simcoe watershed. The land supports over 200species of plants, 110 breeding birds, 21 mammals, and 19 reptile and amphibian species.

 "Today's announcement is just one more example of how our Government is taking real action to protect Canada's natural treasures with the help of partners like the Nature Conservancy of Canada," said Member of Parliament Lois Brown. "The lands of Happy Valley Forest will continue to provide a healthy habitat where species can thrive and survive."
 
The Government's Natural Areas Conservation Program is an important on-the-ground initiative that takes real action to preserve Canada's environment and conserve its precious natural heritage for present and future generations. Since its inception in 2007, the Natural Areas Conservation Program has allowed for the conservation of over 336 properties totaling more than 103 hectares, protecting habitat for over 74 species at risk.   
Following the NCC announcement Tuesday morning, MP Brown joined representatives from Diversicare for the ground breaking of the new Roxborough Retirement Centre. "I am pleased that Newmarket will soon have another option for its seniors and those needing assistance in their later years," said Brown. "As their living needs evolve, seniors deserve the option of staying in their own community, close to family and friends."
 

 
At a later stop during the York Region Abuse Program's 20th Anniversary celebration and Open House, MP Brown commended the exemplary work of the group's volunteers, and affirmed the Government of Canada's determination to tackle crime, citing several examples of introduced legislation.
 
To make an appointment with MP Lois Brown, inquire into any service offered by the Government of Canada, request a celebratory greeting or representation at an upcoming event, please contact 905-953-7515, or email brownlo@parl.gc.ca.