As 2010 comes to a close and we begin the New Year, Canadians find time to reflect on past accomplishments and focus on achieving their next set of goals. Over the past year, Canada has accomplished much, but Canadians still have concerns: jobs for those in need, help for those struggling to make ends meet, safer streets and communities, and a lasting economic recovery.
Over the past 12 months, our Conservative Government implemented Year 2 of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, focusing on jobs and growth. Through more than 23,000 new projects across the country, we helped create jobs for those who need them most. In fact, we’ve helped create nearly 430,000 jobs since July 2009, and we’ve helped save 225,000 jobs through expanded worksharing agreements.
Beyond our borders the Canadian way is winning praise. The IMF has predicted that Canada will lead the G-7 both this year and next. The World Economic Forum ranked Canada’s banks as ‘Soundest in the World’ for the third year in a row. And the well respected magazine The Economist called our country an “economic star.”
Despite this praise, Canadians and our Government know much more needs to be done. Canada is not immune to economic uncertainty beyond our borders. And many Canadians are still looking for work. That’s why, as we work toward a balanced budget, our top priority is and will remain jobs and the economy.
I am pleased that our recent Economic Fiscal Update demonstrates we are right on track. Our federal deficit is lower this year than previously forecasted. We are anticipating returning to a balanced budget by 2015 – before any of our G-7 partners. And we’ve launched consultations with Canadians to seek their views on the next phase of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
Once again I will be bringing these consultations to Vegreville-Wainwright. In January, I will be holding townhalls in various locations throughout the constituency in order to hear your feedback on what we’ve done and your suggestions on future priorities. I encourage you to watch your local newspapers (or check my website leonbenoit.ca) for details on where and when.
Since forming government we have also delivered results on crime and justice issues, including:
- taking action to fix loopholes in our criminal justice system;
- cracking down on criminals who seek to exploit our children;
- strengthening the youth justice system;
- tackling gang violence, auto theft and white-collar crime;
- working to provide law enforcement and national security agencies with the up-to-date tools needed to fight crime; and
- establishing and upgrading Child Advocacy Centres across Canada which are instrumental in helping reduce trauma for young victims.
This fall, our Government took action to stop human smugglers from helping illegal migrants jump the queue and abuse our generosity. Canadians are proud of our long standing tradition of helping those who genuinely need refuge. But we will not tolerate abuse from criminal human smuggling networks.
We continue to make changes to help ensure that Veterans get the support they need and deserve. Our ‘Legacy of Care’ will improve the quality of life for seriously injured men and women in uniform. We’re working to improve financial support for injured Veterans by proposing changes to the New Veterans Charter. And we’ve already improved the care of Veterans suffering from ALS.
While we are concerned about whispers of yet another backroom Coalition deal between the NDP and Bloc Québécois, as we begin 2011, our Conservative Government will continue to work for what matters most. We will continue to help create jobs for Canadians in need. We will continue our plan to eliminate the deficit by 2015. And we will continue to help make our streets and communities safe places for our children and grandchildren to grow up.
I want to wish you each of you a very Merry Christmas, and a happy and healthy 2011.
God bless.
Leon Benoit, MP
