Conservative Government Fosters Confidence in Canada’s Future

September 19th, 2007

The economic news from the United States, their softening job and housing markets and declining consumer confidence, is generating nervousness around the globe. Given the U.S. is our single largest trading partner and the economies of our two nations are closely linked, Canada must keep a cautious eye on events south of the border.

Yet, where our neighbours face some uncertainty and instability at the moment, here in Canada, it is optimism that is on the rise. For the fourth consecutive month, the unemployment rate was 6.1 percent – the lowest in 32 years! Personal income increased by 8.4 percent in the first quarter and Canada’s real gross domestic product growth accelerated to 3.7 percent.

This exciting activity has flourished under a climate of confidence. For the first time in many years, a federal government is offering the stability and leadership that fosters certainty and hope in Canadians.

Our Conservative Government is investing in long-neglected infrastructure and healthcare priorities. We are paying down the national debt … $22.4-billion or $700 for every man, woman and child in Canada since we took office. We are cutting taxes, leaving more money in the pockets of Canadians. And we are investing in our future with investments to support education, training and new environment-friendly technologies and policies.

As a result of these real, decisive actions by our Conservative government, the nation is re-focussed on real issues important to a prosperous future. This was clearly demonstrated by this week’s Quebec by-elections. In the heartland of Quebec sovereignty, Conservative Denis Lebel was elected MP for Roberville-Lac St. Jean, a seat held by the Bloc Quebecois since 1993. In St. Hyacinthe, our Conservative candidate came a close second to the Bloc. Meanwhile, in Outremont, the Bloc finished a distant third after the NDP took a riding that has long been a Liberal stronghold.

Without the issue of national unity as a distraction, Canadians everywhere can focus on priorities that secure our prosperity, meet our social needs and provide hope for the future.

Last week I noted how our economic potential here in Prince George-Peace River was given a phenomenal boost with the opening of the Fairview Container Terminal at the Port of Prince Rupert. Our region’s natural resources and value-added goods are now assured a conduit to Asian market through the new Prince George Intermodal Transload Terminal and on to Prince Rupert.

Further federal investments announced this week here at home include the Prince George Cameron Street Bridge project, ensuring that commercial and commuter congestion does not impede our local economic growth.

Our Government also continued to roll-out our Mountain Pine Beetle program inviting communities to begin applying to our $33-million economic diversification fund for projects that will boost economic growth and create new jobs. We also delivered a total of $4.2-million to help address wildfire risk and help cover the cost of removing beetle-killed trees on municipal property and at provincial recreation sites.

Given what we’ve accomplished so far, both locally and nationally, I’m looking forward to the Speech from the Throne on October 16th, marking the second phase of our Conservative mandate to build a stronger, better Canada.