News Archives
Things have been pretty interesting in Ottawa lately. There is much that has been very positive. At the same time, some very difficult decisions have had to be made on everything from bailouts, Canada’s medical isotope capacity, response to H1N1, improving the immigration system, environmental policy challenges, and how to push back against U.S. trade barriers. Most challenging of all were the discussions around the Cabinet table about if, how, and on what basis, to deploy stimulus spending and incur deficits.
Then there has been the talk of a possible summer election and the high drama of the Prime Minister’s meetings with the leader of the opposition. All in all, I think everyone was more than ready to see the spring sitting of the House wind down.
Being a participant in all that has taken place, has caused me to really think about what motivated me to get involved in politics in the first place: to contribute to more prudent management of taxpayer resources, to less intrusive government and to building a strong future for our country. Sometimes I am frustrated, because often the choices are all less than ideal and because of the challenges of balancing competing interests in a principled and practical way.
At such times it is also good to reflect on the half of the glass (at least!) that is full, and to be encouraged by the much that has been accomplished. I know that our Conservative government has truly made a positive difference for our wonderful country in countless ways, and you too have been part of that.
So let’s take a few minutes to acknowledge and celebrate all that has been achieved!
On January 23, 2006 with your help and support, a Conservative Government was elected. Over the past three and a half years we have taken many concrete actions to improve the lives of Canadians. Being in a minority situation and in the midst of a global recession, the government has had to make some difficult and controversial decisions, but we've kept the country's best interests first and foremost in mind every step of the way.
In the 2006 and 2008 elections we Conservatives promised to provide tax relief. Result?
- Taxes are at their lowest level in 50 years.
- We’ve ended the anti-family aspects of the tax system.
- The average family now saves $3,500 in taxes annually, money they are free to spend on their own priorities.
- This year’s ‘Tax Freedom Day’ came 19 days earlier than under the Liberals.
- Nearly a million low-income Canadians have been taken off the tax rolls altogether.
- All this is in addition to the 2% cut from the GST, which has lowered the cost of living for all Canadians.
Over the past three years we have sent a clear message that violent crime on our streets will be met with serious consequences. Our Tackling Violent Crime Act has legislated tougher measures for violent offenders, gun related crimes and impaired drivers. Other measures, currently before the House, are aimed squarely at ensuring our streets are safer and victims’ rights are respected. Details on these measures can be found at: www.justice.gc.ca.
In addition, we raised the age of protection from 14 to 16 to better safeguard our children from sexual predators.
For the first time in Canadian history there is a Cabinet Minister for Seniors, Senator Marjorie LeBreton, so seniors now have a dedicated voice in Ottawa. With this new focus on seniors, our government has:
- Introduced pension income splitting, which is providing seniors approximately $1 billion annually in tax relief.
- Increased the age credit and pension income tax credit.
- Created the National Seniors Council to provide advice to government on issues of national importance to Canada’s seniors.
Canada is now a more competitive environment for businesses to grow and prosper:
- In the past three years we have undertaken a massive program of reducing taxes for businesses.
- Corporate income taxes are being cut from 22.12% when we took office, to 15% by 2012.
- The Small Business tax rate has been reduced to 11%.
- To lessen red tape for businesses we have reduced the paper burden from the federal government by a full 20%.
- Canada will soon have a new business investment tax rate that is the lowest in the G-7 and below the OECD average.
In a clear indication that Canada is starting to be considered a low-tax place to do business, Tim Horton’s just announced that it is moving its headquarters out of the US and coming back to Canada.
This government champions Canadian businesses large and small in the global marketplace. In the last ten years or so prior to our government taking office, the Liberal Government did not negotiate a single new free trade agreement. Since 2006 we have:
- Signed free trade agreements with Columbia, Peru, the European Free Trade Association and Jordan.
- Entered negotiations with 10 other countries and organizations.
Ensuring free and open trade is also vital to the international effort against the global recession.
In the past three years Canada has improved its reputation on the world stage:
- Canada’s core values of freedom, democracy, human rights, respect for the rule of law, free trade, and compassion for the less fortunate, are clearly articulated.
- We are working with our allies in NATO and the UN to address the challenges in Afghanistan.
- We are taking a firm stand on human rights at the UN.
- We have honoured Canada’s commitment to double aid to Africa.
- We are re-engaged with the countries of the Americas on trade and diplomatic relations.
On the world stage, ‘Canada is back!’
The Conservative government has implemented other important measures such as those on the environment, and has boldly but responsibly moved to support the economy and help Canadians during a difficult global recession.
Reflecting on these initiatives it becomes evident that our government has delivered welcome, positive change. Individual Canadians and families are keeping more of their own money, lawless behaviour is being dealt with, seniors are better assisted, and Canada has a stronger voice on the international stage. Most importantly, due to the strong Conservative “Advantage Canada” economic plan brought down in 2007, our country was the last to enter the global recession and will, according to the OECD, be one of the first out. Our Economic Action Plan brought down in Budget 2009 will help give Canada a stronger, more prosperous future as the world economy recovers.
During the last week of the spring session I made a point to talk to some of the new Conservative MPs who were elected just nine months ago. I asked, “How are you finding this job?” It is truly heart warming to see their faces light up and hear the passion as they share their pride and stories about all they have already been able to contribute in their role as a Member of Parliament.
I too share that enthusiasm in being able to represent Calgary-Nose Hill in the Parliament of Canada and to serve in a Conservative government. It is your support that has allowed all the progress of the last few years to be achieved. Sincere congratulations for all you have done to effect a change in the direction of government. You can take much pride and satisfaction in all that has been, and will be, accomplished. I look forward to continuing to work together with you to build a strong Canada.
Enjoy your summer, play with your kids and grandkids, and be nice to your in-laws. :)
Diane
