Ottawa Journal: accomplishments for all Canadians

June 30, 2015 · 0 Comments

The spring sitting of the House of Commons has been productive. Focused on jobs and growth, keeping taxes low and protecting Canadians, our Government is proud of the results we have delivered for all Canadians.
Our Government’s legislative accomplishments include the passage of Economic Action Plan 2015 (EAP 2015), a low-tax plan for jobs and growth. Through EAP 2015, we are delivering our Family Tax Cuts and Benefits Plan that is putting money back into the pockets of every single Canadian family with children. This is money that parents can spend on their family’s priorities. It also takes steps to cut taxes for small businesses, invest in public infrastructure, support seniors, invest in education and skills training, and much more. And, of course, EAP 2015 is – as promised – a balanced budget that will help keep Canada on track for long-term prosperity.
We also passed the Anti-Terrorism Act, 2015, helping better protect Canadians from the evolving threat of jihadi terrorism. Indeed, this legislation is providing law enforcement and national security agencies the necessary tools to prevent and detect national security threats. Our Government is also standing up for Canadian values of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law on the world stage. Together with our allies, the Canadian Armed Forces are helping counter the global terrorist threat of ISIS. We are also helping to provide humanitarian assistance for those displaced by the violence.
These latest measures build on our Government’s strong record of accomplishments during the 41st Parliament.
Under Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s leadership, Canada has emerged from the global recession with one of the strongest economic performances. Canada has one of the best job creation records in the G7 with over one million net new jobs created since the depths of the recession. Canada is also consistently ranked among the best countries in the world in which to do business. Our Government has expanded the number of countries Canada has free trade agreements with from five to 43, including historic agreements with the European Union and South Korea. Our ambitious trade agenda is helping create jobs and opportunities for Canadians and our Economic Action Plan is keeping Canada on track for continued economic growth.
Our Government has also delivered tax cuts for families, seniors, and every single Canadian – lowering the federal tax burden to its lowest level in over 50 years and putting more money back into the pockets of all Canadians. This includes cutting the GST to 5 per cent, pension income splitting, and lowering the small business tax rate to 9 per cent.
We have also delivered on our commitment to help make our streets and communities safer. We have passed landmark measures to better hold criminals accountable for their crimes, such as the Protecting Canadians from Online Crime Act and the Not Criminally Responsible Reform Act. And, to strengthen the rights of victims of crime, we passed the historic Canadian Victims Bill of Rights that entrenches the rights of victims to information participation, protection and restitution.
In summary, as of June 23, 2015, 122 Government Bills and 42 Private Member’s Bills received Royal Assent between the First and Second Sessions of the 41st Parliament.
Canada’s 41st Parliament was productive. Our Government is proud of our strong record of delivering real results for all Canadians.

By David Tilson, MP