The Session Ahead

January 28, 2008

The past year has been productive for our Conservative government. Throughout the year we have remained fixed on our fundamental values: to build a stronger, safer, healthier and more prosperous country. While the many accomplishments of 2007 were laudable, we have much more that we want to achieve. Thus, I would like to give you an idea of what to expect from your government in the year ahead.
In 2008 we will continue to focus on the five core priority areas outlined in the October 16 speech from the throne “Strong Leadership. A Better Canada”. We will continue to:

• steer our economy toward long-term prosperity;
• make our streets and communities safe again;
• modernize our federation and democratic institutions;
• Strengthen Canada’s sovereignty and place in the world; and
• protect our environment and the health of our fellow Canadians.
  

A Prosperous Economy

In 2008 Canadians will start to feel the effects of our tax cuts by having more money in their pockets.
We have cut the GST to 5%, lowered income and small business taxes, and created tax credits for expenses like children’s sports and workers’ tools – all changes which will benefit Canadian families in their day to day purchases and in their tax returns this year.

Furthermore, as our government carries on paying down the federal debt in the future, we will continue to return all interest payment savings to Canadians through further tax reductions.
Safer Streets

Canadians can expect to soon see the passage into law and implementation of our measures to tackle violent crime. Our comprehensive, Tackling Crime Bill has been passed by the House of Commons and is on its way through the Senate.

Once law, the bill will better protect youth from sexual predators, protect society from dangerous offenders, get serious with drug-impaired drivers and toughen sentencing and bail for those who commit gun crimes. By toughening laws and closing loopholes our justice reforms will result in safer Canadian streets and communities.

Government Accountability

Last year we saw the implementation of the Federal Accountability Act, the toughest accountability legislation in Canadian history, which generated a host of reforms from ironclad whistleblower protection, caps on donations to political parties to tough regulations on lobbyist transparency.

This year our government is working to reform the Senate to make it more accountable to Canadians. A bill was introduced in the fall that would create a modern, accountable Senate, including the election of Senators directly, by Canadians and limits to the terms of new Senators to eight years. While there is resistance amongst some Senators against becoming responsible to Canadians, the government has taken the approach that reform is necessary to bring a basis of democracy to the Senate.

Healthy Environment

In the year ahead our government will continue its leadership both at home and abroad in the environment.
Internationally, the next two years will be a challenge, with long and intense negotiations for a global plan post-2012 to reduce greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. Our government will continue to take the lead on the world stage in saying that global action on climate change has to include action by all the major greenhouse gas emitting countries.

At home we will continue to lead by example to reduce greenhouse gases and air pollution creating a healthier, cleaner environment for Canadians. Canadian families will see real incentives that help them make sustainable choices – and save money when they do so. Further, over the next six months we will collect information from and consult with industry to ensure our emissions reductions targets will be met in an economically sustainable way.

Canada`s Place in the World

Through continued leadership in the areas of the environment, trade, democracy and human rights on the international stage, our government will further strengthen Canada’s global position in the coming year.
In particular, in 2008 we will keep working to negotiation trade and investments that meet the interests of Canadian producers and industries.

The Independent Panel on Canada’s Future Role in Afghanistan reported to the Prime Minister. The expert non-partisan advice of this panel will help parliamentarians decide on the future of the mission post 2009, ensuring there is informed debate on the issue considering the implications of all options for both our troops and the Afghan people.

While 2007 was a busy and productive year for our government, we have no intention of slowing the pace. Canadians should continue to expect results from their government in 2008.