2010: Canada’s Year

August 24, 2010

As the summer draws to a close, it’s time to reflect on our accomplishments and set goals for the year ahead.  Whether I’m working in Ottawa or Alberta, I’m overcome with cautious optimism that grows stronger every day.  2010 is shaping up to be Canada’s year.

At no time was this feeling stronger than I when I climbed to the top of the Peace Tower to raise the Canadian flag on behalf of the constituents of Macleod.  The Peace Tower, so named to honour the thousands of Canadian men and women who sacrificed their lives for their country in World War I, stands at the front of the Centre Block on Parliament Hill.  With the capital at my feet, I was struck by just how much we have achieved, and by the promise of things to come.
 
When it comes to economic leadership, Canada can teach the world a thing or two.  Thanks to our Government’s policies of paying down debt and reducing the tax burden on Canadians to its lowest point in 50 years, Canada was in a much stronger position than many other countries when we were confronted with the global economic recession.
 
In spite of our country’s strong foundation, the recession brought real challenges for families and communities across Canada.  Action was needed, so we introduced Canada’s Economic Action Plan.  Over 2 years, the Plan has helped families by lowering the tax burden and improving EI benefits and access to training.  It’s created jobs, and made our communities better places to live, work, and play by investing in roads, bridges, hockey arenas, colleges, and parks.
 
It’s a plan that’s working.  Our fiscal record is the envy of the world, and it continues to improve.  The Economist magazine recently called Canada an “economic star”.  The global accounting firm KPMG ranked Canada as the most competitive industrialized country for job creation.  And both the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) predict that Canada will lead the world in growth this year and next.  According to the IMF, “Canada entered the global crisis in good shape, and the exit strategy appears less challenging.”
 
Under the strong leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, your Government is keeping taxes low, creating jobs for hard-working Canadian families, and leading the way on the world stage.  When I reflect on our achievements in 2010, I look forward to returning to Ottawa this fall as we continue to build a stronger, better Canada.