I want to begin by thanking my hosts here today.

The BBX has twice invited me to have breakfast with them and each time I have met some of our community’s most interesting entrepreneurs.

In particular, I would like to thank Kathleen Caught for her invitation to speak to you today.

Since receiving the invitation I have bandied about several themes for today’s talk. I had considered speaking about my work as a parliamentary reformer- and making the workplace more family friendly; I had considered highlighting my role as the Government and Consumer Services Critic for the Official Opposition and finally I had bandied about the idea of providing an overview of Ontario’s economy. BUT . . . None of those themes seemed to fit.

So I thought about what kind of a connection I have with the BBX?

Then the topic came to me. What I admire most about the BBX is that its foundation is set on making “referrals” or what I like to call “positive connections”, so that its members will benefit from a partnership. That same ethos is what guides my work as your local MPP. Making positive connections for community groups, local businesses and individuals has helped me get things done for this community. It has become a driving force behind the way I conduct my business. And we have seen recent success when positive connections are made and the right people are brought around the table. Take for example two local issues I have had the privilege to see resolution on:

1) The Longfields – Davidson Heights Secondary School and

2) The South Nepean Autism Centre In both of those cases there was an identifiable need in the community and as the local MPP I was able to act as a catalyst, using my connections to various community leaders to bring people together and get things done.

Today, we are benefiting from programming at the South Nepean Autism Centre and the Longfields- Davidson Heights Secondary School is now under construction- all because of positive connection! That’s very much the same as what the BBX, as an organization, is doing for its member business owners in Barrhaven- it is acting as a catalyst to get things done, so its members can benefit from referrals. But I can see the BBX’s members being able to use their positive connections for so much more! So consider this today a call to action.

One of my favourite examples of a local business giving back is Ken and Kelly Ross.   Local operators of Ross’ Independent Grocer, they have given close to half a million dollars back to the community in the five years they have been open. There are other examples too. Nancy Davis, of the home based Maillet and Associates is a familiar face and key organizer at almost every community event we host in Barrhaven. And then there are Victor and Avril Tsang of Barrhavenlive.ca who epitomize every aspect of Barrhaven’s new mantra:  Live Work and Play in Barrhaven.

The fact is, there is a lot going on in Barrhaven, with its explosive growth in both housing and business starts, the time is ripe for local business owners to become integral parts of this expanding community!

During the recent provincial election the people who elected me- your current and potential customers- outlined five priorities for me to work on at Queen’s Park for them.  Each of these priorities has room around the table for you.

1.                  Satellite Health Centrea.       Linkage- NROC, PQ, QCH

2.                  Foreign Trained Credentials  Linkage- Kingsway, PEO

3.                  Dickinson Squarea.       Linkage- DSMI (BIA, MILL, Horticulture, Seniors, Chamber, etc)

4.                  New Schools/ Autism Centrea.       Linkage- Parents, Local Business Owners, Service Providers, Schools, Algonquin

5.                  Strandherd Bridgea.       Linkage- Individuals, Businesses, Politicians, Media

The bridge is of particular interest to the business community in South Nepean, particularly because this linkage is good for business in Barrhaven, Riverside South and Manotick. I’ve been working with the Ministry of Transportation on the provincial funding portion-- $35 million and later this spring I’ll be bring a resolution forward to the floor of the legislative assembly calling on the Liberal Government to actually commit to the one third funding requested by the City.

The local business community could play a very important role in seeing this resolution succeed. This weekend I will once again have petitions calling on the government to support my resolution at Moncion’s and Ross’s Independent Grocers as well as a few other civic facilities.

It would be enormously helpful if you would not only consider signing this petition today but also if you would consider circulating or hosting a petition signing.

As I have written to Premier McGuinty, this link across our mighty Rideau River is essential to reduce traffic congestion, ease travel time and connect natural communities.

And as I close on this note, I again urge you as local business leaders to think not only about the bottom line, but also how you can make positive connections to enrich our community. I know many of you are doing this already and I know that many of you are already very busy.  BUT please consider the imprint you could have on this, Ontario’s fastest growing community.

That’s good for business. I want to once again thank you for your kind invitation, and I am looking forward to your questions.