It was a pleasure to have Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Industry Minister Jim Prentice in town on Aug. 19 to announce $34.7 million in federal funding for the David Braley Cardiac, Vascular and Stroke Research Institute at the Hamilton General Hospital.

As the prime minister noted, this leading-edge research institute is a local success story and, when completed, will help improve the quality of cardiac care available to us locally and across the country. That's because this institute helps build on the Hamilton reputation around the world as a leading innovator in medical research.

This is great news for health care across Canada and is further confirmation that this government is delivering for our area.

The David Braley Cardiac, Vascular and Stroke Research Institute is one of eight projects being funded by the Canada Foundation for Innovation to ensure Canadian research hospitals remain at the forefront of health research in an increasingly competitive international research environment. It will assist them in retaining their world-class scientists, and in training the next generation of health researchers. The centre is expected to house 500 staff and create 230 new jobs in Hamilton in the next few years.

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After a wet summer, we're all adjusting back to a regular pace -- back to school and work. The rains stopped long enough in mid-August for thousands to enjoy the Dundas Cactus Festival. It was great to meet so many constituents at my Cactus Festival booth and to discuss the issues of the day! I always enjoy the fairs and festivals and look forward to seeing you at the Ancaster Fair in a couple of weeks (Sept. 19-21).

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A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to represent the Hon. Helena Guergis - Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs - at Assyrian Genocide Awareness Day in Mississauga. This event commemorates the struggles of the indigenous people of Iraq since the fall of the Iraqi regime in 2003. In my role on the House of Commons sub-committee on human rights, I have been all too familiar with the challenges people face in their homeland during times of political change and instability. It is wonderful to see their supporters here in Canada expressing - freely - their call for action to aid in protecting the human rights of their fellow countrymen.

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As promised, my environmental tip for this month is an easy-to-make and effective homemade, all-natural cleaning product.

The powerhouse of getting it clean, is white vinegar. It's great for removing calcium deposits such as those in your humidifier and, it's a potent grease and stain remover that is safe on hard surfaces such as countertops and glass. (An additional tip: you need to use white vinegar - save the malt vinegar for your fish and chips).