Community Comments

Email received 3 March 2010:

Hi Mr. Kanagamany:

I like to thank you for your time and guideline regarding applying for my mother's visitor visa. It is really appreciable that our MP's office allowed me to book an appointment...

Yours sincerely,

P. Halder

Email received 27 February 2010:

Hello Ray I appriciate all your struggle and helps and greatful to you and special thanks to Michelle Simson M.P

I would like to come personally to pay my regards 

I  got the corrected Card of my daughter and i am on my way to bring her Canada soon...

take care
A. Rasheed

Email received 26 February 2010:

Dear Michelle Simson,

Thank you for your donation of the Canadian flags and flag pins.  We will be include those in our project Love Kits that we're sending with school supplies to children in Haiti.

Gratefully,

N. Ahmed

Norman Cook Junior P.S.

Card received 23 February 2010:

My family would like to thank you for all efforts you put towards our sponsorship.  Thank you.

S. Selvaasa

Email received 16 February 2010:

Hi Mano,

I want to appreciate you sincerely for all your help rendered to have my husband's visa approved. He got his visa approved last week. Just want to thank you on behalf of both me and my husband, for your time and support to have this approved soon.

Thank you

Sincerely,
F. Rishard

Email received 26 January 2010:

Hi Mano,

I wasn't sure if his aunt told you or not, but... got his visa at his interview last week... Thank you for all your help in this whole process; the family would have been lost without you.

J. Lang

Email received 19 January 2010:

Thank you very much . I do not know without you people help and effort we would be lost in what to do. Keep up the good work.

S. Abebe

Email received 17 January 2010:

Dear Mano,

Today I am writting to share the good news,  The Canadian Embassy... issued my husband a visa and he recieved it today,  Also I sent the application for my children...

I thank you your help and I am very hopefull for the application of my children.

Thank you,

S. Ghebru

Email received 10 January 2010:

Dear Michelle

It has been a great pleasure and a grand learning experience to have you at our agency.  The entire team and clientel present were extremely happy with the presentations made by you...

...Thanks again and best wishes.

Letter received 13 October 2009:

Michelle,

Thank you very much for your support for the Canadian Coalition for Genetic Fairness.  You did a terriffic job... and efforts are deeply appreciated by coalition members.

The Huntington Society of Canada

Letter received 28 September 2009:

Dear Mrs. Simson,

Thank you for taking the time to meet with us to discuss the changes we need in the EI program.

Workers Action Centre

Email received 14 September 2009:

...I am personally very much an admirerer of Michelle Simson's ideals and way that she does and has represented our Communities in general...

Best regards,

J. Katz

Email received 4 September 2009:

Greetings!

Just want to say Hi and Thanks to you... I learned that you posted expense on web site while reading your summer 2009 newspaper. I am really touched by your honesty... Also thanks very much for all the good things you have brought to our community.

Take care!

Sincerely,

Y. Zhang

Email received 25 August 2009:

Hi Michelle,
 
Thank you for... your Summer 2009 Parliamentary Report.  It was very informative, and I enjoyed viewing all your wonderful pictures...
 
J. Khan

Email received 25 August 2009:

Hello Michelle,

I appreciate receiving an electronic copy of your Parliamentary Report. Thank you. I was pleased to read about your varied involvement throughout our riding. Your idea to post your expenditures on line is nothing short of brilliant. Kudos to you!

Cheers,

J. Mitchell

Email received 18 August 2009:

Hi Michelle.

The package arrived in the mail this morning thank you very much it really says; with all these volunteers you seem to be popular with the people of Scarborough Southwest.... I walked into the mall yesterday and the first thing I saw was a girl with a Michelle Simson T shirt.

...The kids loved the petting zoo; it was in the shade, on the grass. Just perfect.

The stage show was great and definitely appealed to ALL the generations.

The hot dogs were great with a slight hint of spices and the buns were very fresh both the hot dogs and the buns were very high quality...

First time I ran across Enbridge doing corn, it is an addition to their service and really was served hot.

...The Tim-bits filled the serving table, the hot dog line snaked alongside it for a small snack before the corn and hot dogs...

Having the B-B-Q at Variety Village provided lots of room, shade and parking.

To sum up, all of the above was part of what... (Mr.) Khan and I discussed during and after the event and we have worked at and ran many events for the Community, Church and Mosque.

Finally the Weather on that day... How on earth can you top it?  The rain never kicked in until 4:00pm...

B. McDonald

Email received 6 August 2009:

Dear Mr. Kanagamay,
 
...I want to use this opportunity to thank you and the Honorable Michelle Simson MP, Scarborough Southwest; for all you help... 
 
My wife also extends her profound gratitude to you and Honorable Michelle Simson MP, Scarborough Southwest.

Best regards,
O. Adhagwa

Email received 17 July 2009:

Good for you for providing your finances to your riding on your web site. I applaud your honesty.

L. Skulmoski from Vernon, British Columbia

Email received 15 July 2009:

Just read an NCC newsletter praising your disclosure of your expenses. Bravo! It should be normal practice.

J. DeMarco

Article published 12 July 2009 - The Montreal Gazette:

...Now another suburban Toronto Liberal MP, Michelle Simson, has gone even farther, making some detail about her expense spending available on her website. She underspent her authorized maximum by $27,000… Simson, Jennings, Dion, and the others may have made themselves unpopular with many of their colleagues. But their simple candour, which required courage, may now break the log-jam and shame other elected officials into ending their arrogant secrecy.

Comment received 10 July 2009:

Way to go, Michelle Simson! What a novel concept… a politician who is willing to be above board and not willing to hide facts regardless of what the party deems appropriate. May Michelle's openness and ethics rub off on all elected officials. Barack Obama has opted for openness in the U.S. Maybe Michelle will be our Obama.

C. Babiar

Article published 9 July 2009 - The Scarborough Mirror:

Michelle Simson has the balance sheet to prove she had nothing to hide. The rookie Scarborough Southwest MP took an unprecedented step by posting her professional expenses online, saying it’s important for voters to see how the money is spent… Anyone who wants to know how much Simson spent on advertising, staff salaries, or printing her holiday cards, can look it up easily. Hospitality – a category covering meals many assume politicians consume with gusto, is a modest $123.73.

Email received 8 July 2009:

Michelle, I wish that I lived in your riding – you would have my vote forever. Your forthright action in providing full disclosure of spending is a shining example for every elected official and, of course, for all those in Ottawa. US Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart once said, “Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have a right to do, and what is the right thing to do.”

You are a shining example and I hope your star shines for a very long time.

All my best – D. Hathaway

Email received 8 July 2009:

Hi Michelle,

A new era for the politician in Canada and the transparency is the best way. Keep breaking new records of changes in the Liberal party. New vision and right path.

Kumar

Email received 8 July 2009:

Mrs. Simson,

I saw today that you have chosen to disclose your expense claims on your site. I think this is a great idea, and all MP’s should do it...

With thanks,

A. Bemfica from Ottawa, Ontario

Email received 8 July 2009:

Dear Michelle Simson,

Thank you for setting an excellent example by publishing your expenses for the previous year. If I lived in your riding, then you’d have my vote!

M. van Lammeren

Email received 8 July 2009:

Dear Ms. Simson:

As a constituent, I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for your decision to post your expenses on your website. Since I first saw the Toronto Star article on this subject, I’ve been hoping to see your name amongst the list of MP’s who have agreed to publish their expenses, and I was gratified today to see that you had done so. I’m not even particularly interested in going over your spending line by line… I’m just impressed by your transparency (something that is sadly lacking in the current Conservative government). I hope that more MP’s follow your lead.

Thanks again and keep up the good work!
Sincerely,

S. Russell

Email received 8 July 2009:

I just read an article where you had publicized your expenses on your website, and I wanted to congratulate you on your integrity and honesty. I totally agree with accountability, especially when spending tax payers’ money. I hope you will be the pioneer for all legislators to follow in your footsteps.

J. Chabassol

Email received 8 July 2009:

Mrs. Simson,

I just wanted to send a note to say that I was very impressed by your decision to disclose your expenses publicly. While I am neither a constituent in your riding nor a Liberal voter, I appreciate the openness and transparency that you have shown. Kudos to you and your staff, I hope your practice becomes more common on Parliament Hill.

Cheers,

D. Hertz

Email received 8 July 2009:

I can only speak for myself and I have to say thank you for standing up and doing the right thing in making your financial expenditures a public document. In this day of the internet, it is incredibly arrogant for the rest of the members of the House of Commons to not do the same. Many members carry the label Honourable, and one even has the label Right Honourable – well they are neither Right nor Honourable by hiding this from the electorate and tax payers.

I hope the Canadian Taxpayers Federation gives you consideration as Taxfighter of the Year. While you’re picking up your award, you can al so pick up the awards of many of your colleagues who will no doubt also be recipients in their own right.

D. Wharton

Article published 7 July 2009 - The Toronto Star:

The Liberal MP for Scarborough Southwest joins a club of one this week when she becomes the first federal politician to post on her website all of the expenses that she claimed for the 2008-09 fiscal year… The Canadian Taxpayers' Federation, which advocates for responsible government spending, is hailing Simson's decision as groundbreaking and one that all MPs should follow. "I was wondering myself whether or not any MP would have the guts to stand up to their colleagues through the Board of Internal Economy and do what's right, so good for her," said national director Kevin Gaudet.

Email received 7 June 2009:

Dear Mr. Kanagamany,
 

I want to use this chance to render my heartfelt gratitude and thanks to you and the Honourable Michelle Simson MP, Scarborough Southwest; for the speed and attention you paid to my... case...

I can still hear the ring and your voice of that wakeup phone call from you... Those words you said to me... It's a dream come true after many months of no action ... Thanks to your good work... I know the status of our file now.

...Once again from the bottom of my heart thank you and all the staff that works for the Honourable Michelle Simson MP, of Scarborough Southwest, for looking after electorates of her riding, like me and many other they may seek the help of this Honourable Member of Parliament.

Keep up the good work

Yours truly,

O. Adhagwa

Letter received 14 May 2009:

To Mrs. Simson,

...thank you again for providing help at your office. You have shown and taught me a lot about the care and compassion you have for the community.

Sincerely,

C. Hiu

Letter received 29 April 2009:

To Michelle Simson, M.P. ,

Thank you very much for your congratulations to me and my family.

Wish you all the best in your success...

Thanking you,

S.A. Sikkander

Email received 21 April 2009:

Hi Mano,

I would like to thank you guys for being so helpful. I am very satisfied with the level of service I received at your office. You guys are amazing...

Regards,
W. Ahmed

Card received 13 April 2009:

Mano,

Many thanks for helping me with my... applications. Your exemplify the service of good government...

J. Fadare

Email received 11 April 2009:

Hi good morning sir,

There is a good news for you. My... got the

the visa... Thank you very much

for your kind support for me. Now only Im so

happy...

Once again Im thanking you.

Bye

J. Denistan

Card received 25 March 2009:

Dear Michelle

Thank you so much for your efficent and kind help in clearing up my... application and getting me the required... form...

Sincerely,

M. Lister

Email received 23 March 2009:

Hi Mr. Ray Chan,

Thank you very much for the information... we appreciate your prompt response and aid in this matter. The underlisted will be useful for future reference should such situation arise again.

Thank you kindly, and have yourself a great day!

Warmest regards,

Kevin

Card received 18 March 2009:

Dear Mrs Simson,

With sincere thanks for your kindess, to remember us on our 60th Wedding Anniversary.

D. and R. Cosoto

Email received 9 March 2009:

Dear Michelle,

Thank you for inviting me to attend yesterday’s International Women’s Day celebration at the Second Base Youth Shelter in Scarborough Southwest.  I was so pleased to be able to hear you speak, to learn about the youth shelter, and to hear Hon. Kathleen Wynne speak, tying together the themes of Women’s Day and education.  It was a great event and a wonderful community outreach initiative.  I thought it was a terrific example of how a Member of Parliament can support a vital local community service, engage the local community, and support a Member of our Provincial Parliament.  Keep up the great work!

E. Shuchat

Email received 9 March 2009:

It was my absolute pleasure to participate in this year’s International Women’s Day Celebration at Second Base Youth Shelter. I’d like to send a very special thank-you to every single person who has worked to make it possible, both past and present...

P. Taylor

Second Base Youth Shelter

Email received 7 March 2009:

Dear Mr. Kanagamany,

I have good news to share with you.

...Request have arrived for our application...

Also request for paying the landing fee is issued.

Thanks a lot for your kind help.

I will keep you updated on the events.

Regards, Jahid

Letter received 24 February 2009:

Dear Michelle:

We were so pleased to receive the new flag you sent.  The staff and students of General Brock will be thrilled to see it up and flying, and replacing our older flag!

Many thanks.

Sincerely,

T. Hyman

Principal

General Brock Public School

Letter received 20 February 2009:

Dear Ms. Simson,

Thank you for the new Canadian flag you donated to our school. We appreciate your thoughtfulness and we will proudly display it at our school, Warden Avenue.

Sincerely,

Staff and Students

at Warden Ave P.S

Email received 14 February 2009:

Dear Mano,

I am pleased to take this opportunity to thank you and your colleague at the office of Honorable Michelle Simson, MP, for informing me the status of my application which has been in limbo since July 2008 but which is now under process according to the information from the concerned office and which you relayed to me accordingly.

I also appreciate how I was treated with courtesy and respect when during my first appointment at the office and would like to draw the attention of Honorable Michelle Simson to the commendable treatment of her staff at her constituency office.

I wish some agents, one in particular, at the Canada Service office/ Human Resource at 2525 Dixie Rd would realize that Seniors deserve some respect when they are seeking guidance or assistance while submitting their application for Old Age Security Application. After all, they too are humans and have to be respected. Thank you again.

Keep the good work. 

F. GEDLE

Email received 12 February 2009:

Good Morning Michelle,

Your letter and flag arrived by mail just a short while ago. Thank you so much for the flag. I have to admit that in all my years in administration, this is the first time we have received a flag from our MP. Your thoughtfulness is much appreciated...

Have a great day!

Cheers,

G. MacNeil
Principal
St. Agatha Catholic School

Email received 11 February 2009:

thank you so much Ray,

you've been such a pleasure to deal with.

Have a great day.

Adele

Email received 5 February 2009:

Dear Mano,

Thank you for your prompt response with an electornic application form and guide, I do not have a printer and would appreciate you mailing me the application...

Shawn

Hello,

My name is Shawn Ferguson and I am a resident in your riding.  I have made repeated efforts to secure a... form, in spite of the fact that the Canada Post says that I can pick one up at any post office... I tried contacting the... department but had no luck getting a real voice... Your help is appreciated

Email received 30 January 2009:

Hello Ray,
 
I just wanted to thank you for responding so quickly to my request. We received the certificate... from Michelle today. Thank you once again for helping to make this such a special occasion for my mother.
 
Sincerely,
S. Clancy

Email received 27 January 2009:

Dear Mano,

...I just wrote to follow up if you were already able to trace the status of my sponsorship application... Also let me thank you for your accommodation and assistance regarding my case.  Please feel free to respond anytime if you have new developments on this matter.

Again, thank you so much, at least the very informative interaction with you has lessened the load off my chest. Looking forward to hearing from you and best regards.

Respectfully,

M. CHICO