January 2010 Parliamentary Report

                                                        2009 IN REVIEW

 

2009 began with an economic and political crisis.  After 13 short days, the Governor General prorogued a Parliament threatened by the coalition of Liberals, NDP and Bloc. 

 

Prorogation gave me the opportunity to meet with many individuals, groups and organizations to hear their suggestions about the economic crisis.  I also arranged a public Town Hall meeting on January 5, 2009 to listen to Kitchener Centre residents.  Local MPs Harold Albrecht, Peter Braid and I met with the Finance Minister to discuss the Budget.  We submitted a report to the Minister with recommendations from our constituents.

 

BUDGET 2009

 

Parliament resumed on January 26, 2009 and the first item on the agenda was Canada's Economic Action Plan.  This was a comprehensive plan to stimulate the economy, create jobs and introduce tax credits, including the very popular Home Renovation Tax Credit. 

 

The plan to form a coalition government was widely criticized.  In light of this, Canada's Economic Action Plan was passed in Parliament and has been delivering ever since.

 

So far, the plan is working.  Our government is delivering more than $55 million for a wide range of projects in Kitchener Centre.    

 

ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE

 

Although Copenhagen did not achieve consensus, I successfully led Committee debate on the Environmental Enforcement Act to completion.  This Bill raises maximum fines for environmental offences to $6 million and adds a range of innovative sentencing techniques for environmental offences.  Fines will be directed to the Environmental Damages Fund, which aids environmental projects across Canada.

 

ALLIED VETERANS
During the 2008 election the Conservatives promised to reinstate benefits for allied veterans.  I pursued this promise with the Minister of Veterans Affairs and the Prime Minister and my efforts were rewarded when Bill C-33 was introduced.  I suggested securing the agreement of all parties to fast track it, and this was done.  Bill C33 received Royal Assent June 18, 2009.

EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE REFORM

 

The next major work of the House was passage of a bill to extend the duration of E.I. benefits for long-tenured workers.  This was a compromise for many.  However, the Government proposed this measure because it was right in principle to extend this lifeline to those hardest hit by the global downturn.

 

AROUND THE RIDING

 

Over the past year I have attended over 130 events and met many hundreds of people. I have learned about the challenges facing people and have been gratified to be able to help many.  I have been working hard on your behalf.

 

On January 23, 2010, I will host a New Year's Leveé at the Stanley Park Community Centre from 1 to 3 pm.  I hope to see you there.

 

It is an honour serving you as your Member of Parliament.  I look forward to continuing my work for you.  My best wishes to everyone for the New Year.