CLARESHOLM, AB – Ted Menzies, Member of Parliament for Macleod, is pleased to report to his constituency that a number of important bills have been granted royal assent on Friday, June 22 by Her Excellency Michaëlle Jean, the Governor General of Canada.

“The spring session of Parliament was very successful for the Government,” said Menzies. “Although it had its challenges, this sitting of Parliament has been very successful and has made positive, tangible improvements for Canadians.”

In total, sixteen bills were granted royal assent on June 22. Among these bills was Bill C-52, the Budget Implementation Act.

The passage of Bill C-52 ensures that Budget 2007 is implemented, resulting in:

More than $1 billion in new health care funding to help provinces reduce patient waiting times and improve the delivery of health services;
$1.5 billion in clean air funding to assist provinces with projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution;
Lower taxes for families through the new $2,000 child tax credit for every child under 18;
An historic $1 billion tax cut for seniors;
Help for low income families through the new Working Income Tax Benefit; and
$250 million per year in new funding to help the provinces create new child care spaces.

“Implementing Budget 2007 will result in cutting taxes, paying down debt and delivering real benefits for Canadians,” said Menzies. “Although Liberal Members and Senators criticized and unnecessarily delayed the Budget, I am glad that they finally realized that their tactics would only be detrimental to Canadians.”

Other bills granted Royal Assent on June 22 include Bill C-294, which amends the Income Tax Act to reclassify the $300 per month allowance for board and lodging given to amateur junior hockey players and amateur athletes by not-for-profit amateur organizations such as amateur junior hockey teams as tax exempt.

A complete list of bills granted royal assent on June 22 is included on the next page of this release.

“With the Budget passed, I am looking forward to spending the summer months in my riding, sharing these achievements with my constituents and addressing their concerns,” concluded Menzies.