When I stood in the House of Commons to cast my vote to put an end to the wasteful, ineffective long gun registry, I did so on behalf of my constituents, and also for the many people who have fought against it since its inception in 1995. But in my mind there were two people, Gary and Garry, who deserved to see the registry ended the most.

ESQUIMALT, B.C. — Today, Mark Strahl, Member of Parliament for Chilliwack-Fraser Canyon, Wai Young, Member of Parliament for Vancouver South, and General Walt Natynczyk, the Chief of the Defence Staff, were joined by a broad range of community members to welcome home Her Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Vancouver as she and her crew returned to Esquimalt following seven months of active NATO operations.

Ottawa- Tonight the House of Commons passed Bill C-19: Ending the Long Gun Registry Act by a vote of 159-130. The bill will now be sent to the Senate moving the Conservative Government one step closer to delivering on a campaign promise to end the long-gun registry.

In light of recent media speculation, many seniors have been asking me if their Old Age Security (OAS) cheque will stay the same. Other Canadians close to retirement have been asking whether OAS will be there for them when they reach the age of 65.

The answer to both questions is yes.

Ottawa- Mark Strahl, MP for Chilliwack-Fraser Canyon, invited local employers to apply for funding through the Canada Summer Jobs program to help create jobs for area students this summer.

"Everyone wins with Canada Summer Jobs. Small businesses, the public-sector and not-for-profit organizations gain eager new workers while students gain valuable real life work experience and cash for school," said Strahl.

Ottawa- Speaking in the House of Commons, Chilliwack-Fraser Canyon MP, Mark Strahl, urged passage of Bill C-25: Pooled Registered Pension Plans Act.

"Hardworking Canadians, without a private pension plan, have called for this type of retirement savings vehicle." Strahl added, "Passage of this bill will mark a significant step forward in securing their retirement."

 (Mark with Mayor Susan Johnston and MLA John Les)

Hope, British Columbia – The East Kawkawa Lake water system is about to receive a significant upgrade that will improve the quality of drinking water for residents in the District of Hope. The project is made possible thanks to a contribution of $450,000 from Canada's Gas Tax Fund.

DISTRICT OF KENT, B.C. – The District of Kent has received $330,000 for the Hammersley Pump Station Floodbox construction project. The district is now better prepared for flood emergencies thanks to a joint investment by the Governments of Canada and British Columbia.

(Mark with Councillor Kevin Anderson of the District of Lillloet)

Lillooet, British Columbia – The District of Lillooet will receive close to $5.6 million through Canada's Gas Tax Fund to establish a new water source for the community.

Chilliwack- The dated, obsolete and unenforceable election law that prohibits Canadians from early reporting of elections results will be repealed, promised Chilliwack-Fraser Canyon MP, Mark Strahl.