April 2010 Parliamentary Report

CANADA'S ECONOMIC ACTION PLAN

 

During prorogation, the Government consulted widely with Canadians about available options and our economy.  We determined that the recovery was still too fragile to risk the higher taxes proposed by the Opposition or the immediate withdrawal of stimulus spending suggested by those concerned about the federal deficit.

 

Instead the Government decided to complete Canada's Economic Action Plan as previously planned, and also proposed strategies for deficit restraint next year.

 

This was well received by Canadians so the Liberals decided to pass the budget by staying away from Parliament in large enough numbers to ensure its success.  In Question Period the Opposition rarely questions Government economic policy.

 

AFGHAN DETAINEE ISSUE
To no one's surprise, the detainee issue easily survived prorogation and dominates Question Period, along with questions about loss of temper by two Ministers at airports.  The Opposition demanded production of Defence documents without deletions that the civil service is required to make under national security legislation.

 

They rejected the Government's position that constitutional custom limits the right of Parliamentarians to see information which may endanger national security.  The Government is seeking an opinion from retired Supreme Court Judge Frank  Iacobucci on this point of constitutional law.

 

Meanwhile, the Speaker will rule on this issue.  The Opposition has hinted that they might use the Speaker's ruling to pass a motion of contempt against the Government.  If the motion passes, it would demonstrate non-confidence in the Government, triggering a Spring election.

 

COMMITTEE WORK

 

In March I travelled with the Justice Committee to Toronto, Edmonton and Winnipeg for hearings on organized crime in Canada.  We have begun preparing a report but further evidence might be required.

 

We also expect to study recently introduced amendments to the Youth Criminal Act.

 

The Environment Committee has held two days of hearings on the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy, which will revitalize Canadian Government environmental planning. 

 

We also resumed studying the Oilsands and Water with another day of hearings.  We will now begin preparation of a report on that.

 

LIBERAL MOTION ON ABORTION

 

The Liberal Party proposed a motion requiring that the Government ensure that abortion is part of its Maternal and Child Health international aid strategy.

 

A recent poll revealed that more Canadians oppose making abortion part of the Maternal and Child Health strategy (48%) than support it (45%).  This poll also showed an unhealthy lack of consensus exists on this issue that would benefit from reasoned and respectful dialogue.

 

After a day of healthy debate, the motion failed to gain Parliamentary approval.

 

HOPE FOR THE FUTURE

 

Recent economic reports have been promising, including a .60% monthly growth in GDP.  The strength of the Canadian economy is recognized by international demand for our currency.  However, unemployment remains unacceptable.  In my next report I will update you on Community Adjustment Fund assistance to Kitchener's economy.