December 2012 Parliamentary Report

The Economy and Resource Development
 
It is well-known that the Canadian economy emerged from the recession of late 2008 and 2009 more quickly and with greater strength than any other G7 nation.  Since 2009 Canada has added over 820,000 net new jobs, most of them full-time in good-paying sectors.
 
Nonetheless, we are still skating on the thin ice of potential return to global economic turmoil.  It is essential that our Government continue its efforts to bolster our job picture and the economy.  Because resource development provides jobs and fuels prosperity across the country, it is important that we quickly implement measures that focus on effective environmental protection without unnecessary duplicative procedures.
 
An example is the recognition that lakes and rivers are protected by a variety of laws such as the Species at Risk Act, the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, whereas the point of the Navigable Waters Protection Act is to ensure that waterways used for passage remain open for free navigation.
 
Our economic peril is real.  We must respond with tighter, more effective regulation of the development necessary to sustain a growing population and a growing economy.  Environmental regulation should provide a clear framework to ensure measurable environmental outcomes, not a patchwork of uncertain, multiple-layered requirements which have the effect of obstructing development without improving environmental outcomes.  That’s one of the goals of this year’s federal budget.
 
Supporting Canadian Travellers with Travel.gc.ca and Travel Smart
 
As part of the Government of Canada’s new approach to online services and accessibility, all federal government international travel content and services have been merged into a “one-stop-shop”, Travel.gc.ca. This single thematic website is an authoritative and comprehensive source of information for Canadians travelling or living abroad, and includes an interactive map of the exact location of Canadian government offices abroad with complete contact information.
 
Travel.gc.ca integrates regularly updated content and resources from 12 government partners to help Canadians easily and efficiently find the information they need to make informed decisions about international travel.
 
In addition to the website, Travel Smart, a new mobile application, will provide access to travel reports and advisories as well as emergency contact information while abroad – and will work even without access to an internet connection.
 
Finally, as we approach the holiday season I would like to wish everyone a very Happy and Joyous Christmas and may 2013 be filled with Peace and Prosperity.
 
Merry Christmas!