February 2009 Parliamentary Report

09 02 05 - PARLIAMENTARY REPORT
 
BUDGET 2009
 
On January 26, 2009, our Conservative Government presented an Economic Action Plan to respond to the global economic downturn and to political uncertainty coming from the possibility of a Coalition taking power.
 
CONSULTING CANADIANS
 
The prorogation of Parliament enabled us to engage in massive consultation with Canadians and still present one of the earliest budgets in Canadian history.  Ministers made 84 trips across Canada to solicit ideas and heard from 680 groups including representatives of labour, business, taxpayer groups, farming, the auto sector and a long list of others.  The Minister of Finance conducted an electronic consultation and received 7,200 online submissions and over 5,400 emails and letters.
 
Locally, I held two formal round-tables, jointly with Harold Albrecht, MP for Kitchener-Conestoga and Peter Braid, MP for Kitchener-Waterloo.  I also held an open, public meeting for the citizens of Kitchener Centre.
 
Consensus emerged from all participants on major themes.  Every idea I heard was forwarded to the Minister of Finance.  Many were included in the Economic Action Plan.
 
PROTECTING CANADIANS
 
The Economic Action Plan invests in roads and bridges infrastructure to stimulate the economy by creating jobs.  It also invests in human infrastructure with funds for post-secondary education and research.  With almost $4 billion allocated in such projects this could be called Canada's first "Knowledge Budget".  Among these projects, $50 Million has been invested in Waterloo Region's own Institute for Quantum Computing.
 
The Economic Action Plan makes significant funding available to provide financing for individuals and small businesses.  For the first time there will be an Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.
 
Investments will be made in upgrades to existing social housing and in new social housing.  EI benefits have been extended five weeks and more EI funds will be devoted to retraining.  Retraining funds will be offered not just to those who have lost their jobs but also people who are marginally employed.  Workers losing jobs from bankrupt companies will have their severance pay protected.  The working tax credit has been increased.  Tax exemptions are increased and rates are lower.
 
Canadians will now receive a Home Renovation Tax Credit.
 
COMPROMISE
 
As a lawyer, I learned that a good compromise is one that leaves every party a little unsatisfied.  This Economic Action Plan will likely leave all sides in our national debate at least a little bit unsatisfied.
 
For example, many are uneasy about the $34 Billion deficit that results from stimulus spending, although it is the absolute minimum required by our circumstances.  They should remember that our Conservative Government has paid down $37 Billion of debt, so that even in this global crisis Canada will still have $3 Billion less debt this year than when the Government took office three years ago.
 
HOPE FOR THE FUTURE
 
Canadians wanted an Economic Action Plan supported by the majority of Parliamentarians.  Our Conservative Government has delivered.  The Leader of the Official Opposition said "These measures give actual hope to actual Canadians".
 
Now all Canadians can move forward, with hope, working together.  If we do, Canada will have a quicker and stronger recovery than any other place in the world.