August 2010 Parliamentary Report

Various national issues have made an interesting summer.

 

ECONOMY

After creating 90,000 net new jobs in June, July brought a net loss of 9,000 jobs.  Unemployment remains at 8%, which is .2% higher than the  7.8% average over the last 25 years.  The good news is that Waterloo Region has now pulled ahead of national trends, with a rate of 7.3%.

 

Continued careful economic management is required.  It is also important to remember that while Government can help by setting the table, in a free society Government cannot and should not exercise total control.

 

NATIONAL SOCIAL SURVEY

The Government's decision to stop threatening to prosecute Canadians who refuse to complete the 40 page national social survey has drawn criticism from those who want the information it reveals.  They argue that a voluntary survey will not be completed by the homeless, the poorly educated, or new Canadians unless these groups are threatened by prosecution, resulting in an incomplete survey.

 

I believe we need to distinguish between information genuinely needed for proper government and information which is merely desirable to advance certain causes.

 

I also believe that an adequate survey sample can be achieved with inducements to complete the survey rather than threats of prosecution.

 

G8/G20

The June summit produced real benefits for Canada.  Through skillful negotiation, Canada avoided an unnecessary bank tax which would, ultimately, be paid by consumers.  Also, Canadian leadership produced a consensus on the need for near-term financial restraint and deficit reduction.

 

Large scale demonstrations, unfortunately, provided cover for violence and property destruction, although security arrangements kept world leaders safe from those intent on assassination and on stymieing global cooperation.

 

Reports of police wrongful over-reaction to these challenges will now be carefully considered by the courts.

 

LOCAL EVENTS

The summer features a number of events which demonstrate Waterloo Region's spirit of vigorous service to community.  The Freedom Ride to end MS kicked off  August 12, by John and Rose Emrich, is a good example.  Over 300 motorcycle riders are expected to participate in the ride on August 28 and raise as much as $50,000.00 for MS victims and research.  This is a Canadian first which is destined to become a national model.  We can all be proud.

 

I hope you enjoy a relaxing and fruitful summer.