2009-06 (June)
Blaine Calkins MP Report
Parliament’s Productive Sitting
June 23, 2009
The House of Commons recessed for the summer on June 19th wrapping up a contentious, but productive six month sitting.
Like all countries around the world, Canada is going through a global recession. Thanks to the unprecedented action taken by our Government, we are in a much stronger position to weather the global recession than most other countries.
Canada’s Economic Action Plan, introduced in January, is already making a difference with job creation, lower taxes and investment in roads, bridges and other infrastructure in communities like ours. In just six months, 80 per cent of this year's portion of the two year plan is already being implemented. Already, over 3,000 projects are underway and more are on track to start soon. These projects put shovels in hands, and makes money flow through cash registers of local supply stores.
So far, we have: permanently reduced the tax burden on Canadians; provided tax relief and improved access to financing for Canadian households and businesses; assisted unemployed workers through extended EI benefits and improved skills training; supported home ownership; created jobs through housing construction and through a massive injection of infrastructure spending; supported industries and communities hardest hit by the global recession; and invested in the jobs of tomorrow through new supports for research.
We are also working to open up Canadian markets to the rest of the world, because more trading partners mean more jobs here at home. At the same time, we are working with our American partners to make sure trade flows quickly and freely across our shared border and that we fight against protectionist measures that only harm economic recovery.
We’re making progress on our tough on crime agenda and our plans to continue cracking down on gangs and criminal activities. During the course of this Parliament, our Government has taken several steps towards strengthening Canada’s Criminal Code. Many of the bills we’ve introduced tackle the ongoing problem of gangs and other criminal organizations. In addition, we are: taking action against property and auto theft; ending the practice of allowing killers who commit first- and second-degree murder to apply for early parole, by eliminating the “faint-hope” clause; making it clear that certain serious offences should not be eligible for conditional sentences such as house arrest.
Our Government’s stand on cracking down on crime is clear. We stand against gangs who exploit our most vulnerable citizens, including our youth, and we stand up for the safety and security of all Canadians.
This Conservative Government is continuing to work for Canadians. We are responding to the needs of families and businesses that are facing the challenges of the global recession. We are taking action to keep our streets, our children and our public places safer. In this past sitting of Parliament, we have been working to deliver real results for you.
Have a great summer and please contact my Constituency office for assistance or for information on federally related matters, postage free at: #6, 4612 - 50th Street, Ponoka, T4J 1S7, tel: (403) 783-5530; toll free: 1-800-665-0865 or visit my web site: www.blainecalkinsmp.ca
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