Prudence, Practicality and Progress Shapes Conservative Agenda in Parliament

January 30th, 2008

And we’re back! Parliament resumed sitting this week and, as expected, it was off to a raucous start as MPs returned to Ottawa armed with the concerns of their constituents and ready to tackle a number of contentious issues.

The biggest issue by far is the economy and the unavoidable impact of the global economic downturn upon Canada. No matter how solid Canada’s economic fundamentals are, recent volatility in financial markets threatens our economy and some of our traditional industries, including the forest sector in Prince George-Peace River.

Yet the prudent fiscal steps that our Conservative Government has taken throughout the past two years have helped to avert immediate, widespread economic fallout. In other words, we’ve cushioned the blow by setting priorities and practicing fiscal discipline.

The federal tax burden faced by Canadians is at its lowest level in nearly half a century. We gave close to $200-billion in tax relief to Canadians since coming to office and cut the GST from 7 to 5 percent ahead of schedule.

Unemployment is at its lowest level in over three decades. Business investment is expanding for the 12th consecutive year. We have delivered more than $37-billion in debt relief, or $1,570 for each man, woman and child in Canada.

It is these measures that help to ensure inflation and interest rates remain low, important factors that impact the bottom line of every household and business in the country.

Despite the progress made in the last two years, we cannot take anything for granted. Still, the opposition parties suggest that we ‘spend, spend, spend’ in a misguided attempt to avert an economic slowdown. Worse yet, they would like to increase the GST and taxes, and start collecting a carbon tax to pay for interest groups, lobbyists and so-called ‘experts’ that deliver little to Canadians.

Thankfully, it’s only the opposition parties that seem to believe Canadian taxpayers, through their federal government, can somehow spend the United States economy out of a recession!

We, on the other hand, continue to take steps to ensure we remain well positioned for the future. This includes the Building Canada Fund, to strengthen our nation’s infrastructure, and the Community Development Trust, to assist vulnerable communities, like Fort Nelson, McBride, Mackenzie and Chetwynd, to develop and diversify their economy and create new jobs.

This session of Parliament will also continue to focus on important justice reforms, such as the Tackling Violent Crime Act and the National Anti-Drug Strategy. Plus, watch for continued progress on our mandatory emissions regulations for industry and measures to instill democracy and accountability in the Senate.

I can’t predict the future, but with certainty I can say the next few months in Parliament will be far from dull! Even if the media and the opposition parties continue their current pre-occupation with ‘election speculation’, our Conservative Government will carry on with getting things done for Canadians. And if there IS an election in the near future … we’re ready to face voters with a strong record of leadership and policies that benefit all Canadians.

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