Jobs and Economic Growth Act

April 01, 2010

Dear Friends,

As spring is nearly upon us, I am pleased to announce the tabling of the Jobs and Economic Growth Act in the House of Commons. 
When the global economic recession emerged in Canada last year, communities across the riding of Macleod felt its impact.  Thanks to your Government’s policies of reducing taxes and paying down debt in our first three budgets, Canada was well-equipped to weather the storm.
Your Government introduced Canada’s Economic Action Plan to help protect and create jobs.  There’s no doubt that it’s working – over 135,000 jobs have been created since July, and 225,000 jobs have been saved through expanded work-sharing programs.
Because of our Government’s decisive action, Canada has returned to economic growth following the deepest global recession since the 1930s.  The global recovery, however, remains fragile.  Budget 2010 aims to contribute to this recovery and sustain Canada’s economic advantage now and for the future.  The budget plan has three key objectives:

• Delivering Year 2 of Canada’s Economic Action Plan
• Creating the jobs and economy of tomorrow
• A three-point plan to return to balanced budgets

The modest stimulus contained in Budget 2010 will provide targeted relief for the people of southern Alberta.  Cattle processing facilities in our province will benefit from the $75 million in funding to support investments to ensure that Canadian cattle producers have continued access to competitive operations. Alberta communities and business will also benefit from the $14.7 million per year in ongoing funding for Western Economic Diversification for activities to support commercialization, enhance global competitiveness and drive economic growth and development in communities in western Canada.

Budget 2010’s targeted spending is designed to support our Government’s commitment to balance Canada’s budget.  Strong fiscal management, founded on the principle that governments should live within their means, is the cornerstone of the Government’s economic plan.  Hard-working Albertans understand that a balanced budget is not an end in itself – rather, it is a means to create jobs and promote stronger, sustainable growth.

The Jobs and Economic Growth Act will accomplish this by building on a plan that is already working.  As the next step of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, it will help solidify the economic recovery and sustain our economic advantage.


Ensuring the Strength of Canadian Pensions

In the coming months, I will be continuing my work on pensions by conducting consultations across the country to listen to the views of Canadians concerning retirement income adequacy. 
Retirement income adequacy affects everyone, and our reforms will be felt for generations to come.  I take my leadership on this issue very seriously, and I believe that these consultations are critical to produce a fair and effective solution for all. 

The Government of Canada has also launched online consultations to listen to Canadians’ views on pension reform.  I strongly encourage you to participate in this important discussion, and urge you to consider the following:

- What are the main challenges that Canadians face in saving for retirement?

- Should there be more mandatory retirement savings?

- Should there be more flexibility and choice with regard to private savings options?

- Who should pay for changes to Canada’s retirement income system?

To contribute your views to the Government of Canada’s online consultations on retirement adequacy, click here, or visit www.fin.gc.ca or http://www.tedmenzies.ca/EN/5058/109205

As always, I am available if you have any concerns you wish to discuss. 

Looking forward to seeing you over the coming months and please be sure to participate in the online consultations on retirement income adequacy. 

Ted