A message from Ted

October 14, 2009

We’ve had a great session so far, and I’m pleased to report back to you on the progress being made in Ottawa on behalf of Macleod.

It’s no secret that Canadians continue to face the challenges of the global recession.  While there are signs of economic recovery on the horizon, it has not yet arrived.  With Canada’s Economic Action Plan, our Conservative government is helping Canadian families and businesses today, while making our economy stronger and more stable over the long term.

Investment in infrastructure is a key component of Canada’s path to economic recovery.  I am pleased to announce that communities throughout the riding of Macleod have received funding from the National Trails Coalition Contribution Program, the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) Program, the Building Canada Fund, and Sport Canada’s Hosting Program.
Every resident of Macleod will be able to enjoy the projects that have been made possible by the Action Plan.  I have seen ground being broken on several of these initiatives, and I am confident that they will help get our economy back on track while improving daily life in our riding.

By getting shovels in the ground immediately, we benefit both our community and the province of Alberta.  At a time when the need for economic stimulus is greatest, these projects will enhance services and create local jobs.

Reaching this point has not been easy, but our government’s actions are making a difference.  Canada’s Economic Action Plan is delivering lower taxes for all Canadians. By increasing the basic personal income amount and increasing the upper limits of the two lowest tax brackets, our government is  helping Canadian families hang onto more of their own hard-earned income. This is building on our previous action to lower taxes, including fulfilling our 2006 election promise to cut the GST from 7% to 6% to 5%.

At the same time, we are preparing our workforce for the jobs of tomorrow.  We are making changes to Canada’s skill training programs to help get workers ready for new, higher paying jobs.  As we approach the recovery, a skilled workforce will help Macleod attract more business and opportunity. 

Our government is also delivering practical help that families can see and use every day. Through the new and very popular Home Renovation Tax Credit, households can get back up to $1,350 on their 2009 tax return if they spend between $1,000 and $10,000 on eligible home renovations before February 1, 2010. Not only is this helping families invest in their homes with renovations like new kitchens, bathrooms or decks; it also means that more Canadians are helping to create more jobs, sometimes literally in their own backyards.

As well as working hard to get Canada’s economy back on track, this government is committed to fighting crime and ensuring the safety and security of law-abiding Canadians and their families.  News reports of gang violence in places like Vancouver and Calgary have become alarmingly regular.  In the last session of Parliament, we introduced new legislation to fight gangs and organized crime.  This includes making gang-related murders first-degree offences so that those found guilty would face 25 years before being eligible for parole. We are also introducing mandatory jail time for criminals who recklessly endanger innocent people through drive-by shootings.
When it comes to fighting drug crime, part of the Conservative government’s National Drug Strategy is to make sure that kids understand the dangers of illegal drugs. Now, we are combining education of our children with real jail time for dealers who sell to kids or haunt places where children are likely to be found, such as schoolyards and playgrounds.
Sexual predators are also a danger to innocent children and families. Building on our previous action of raising the legal age of consent from 14 to 16, we are making it mandatory to register convicted sex offenders on the national database. We are also making it mandatory for sexual offenders to give their DNA to the National DNA Data Bank. These are actions that will help police to prevent crimes and better protect families before innocent lives are destroyed.
According to the RCMP, 94% of the guns used in crimes are smuggled into Canada illegally.  Since first being elected in 2006, our Conservative government has been working to end the failed long-gun registry.  Billions of dollars have already been wasted, and the registry unfairly targets honest hunters and farmers.  Most Canadians in rural communities agree that the long-gun registry is a colossal waste of money, and know that the information it contains about individuals and weapons is frequently wrong.  This government knows that the registry wastes billions of dollars that could be put towards making our communities safer.  Our efforts to eliminate the federal gun registry will make law enforcement in Canada more effective.
 
The global recession has created many challenges that are affecting all of us.  However, through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, our Conservative government is continuing to deliver real action that will help hardworking Canadian families make ends meet today, and have a stronger future tomorrow.

Please be sure to visit my photo section to keep up to date on my activities around the riding.

As always, I am proud to represent the residents of Macleod and I look forward to seeing you all soon!

Sincerely,
Ted