Did You Know...? - Edition 22

December 18, 2009

That… The Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, launched national consultations in Québec City to give Canadians the opportunity to voice their views on how to best lead Canada to full economic recovery as the Government prepares its 2010 budget – the second phase of Canada's Economic Action Plan. Consultations in other cities will be announced later in December and January. The Government is seeking responses from Canadians on a number of questions, including: (1) To what extent has Canada's Economic Action Plan been effective in stimulating activity in their industry, sector or community? (2) What suggestions do they have for improving the effectiveness of the Government's stimulus measures or the speed of their delivery? (3) What steps should the Government take to improve the competitiveness of the Canadian economy and ensure that Canada continues to attract investment and create jobs once the recovery is achieved and the Economic Action Plan is wound down? and (4) Over what time period should the Government bring the budget back into balance? The Government is asking Canadians for their views on these issues as well as any other ideas they care to submit at http://www.fin.gc.ca/prebudget-prebudgetaire/1-eng.asp. For more information, http://www.fin.gc.ca/n08/09-114-eng.asp

That… Minister Kenney announced new proposed regulations to better protect the rights of live-in caregivers who come to Canada. Your government has been consulting with caregiver groups to address the abuse of live-in caregivers. The government is working to strengthen the protection for live-in caregivers, as well as to make it easier for them and their families to obtain permanent residence status in Canada. The new proposed regulations includes extending the time limit in which a care-giver can complete the work requirement from three years to four years; eliminating the requirement for a second medical examination when applying for permanent residence; improving the information packages provided to live-in caregivers before they come to Canada; and requiring employers to cover the costs of travel to Canada, medical insurance until care-givers are eligible for provincial health care, workplace safety insurance and third-party recruiting costs. Canadians depend upon caregivers to help provide childcare and eldercare. Our government is working to ensure that the rights of these hardworking individuals are protected and respected.  For more information: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/releases/2009/2009-12-12.asp

That… Minister Kenney delivered a speech at the Global Forum for Combating anti-Semitism in Israel, during which he highlighted our Government’s action to fight anti-Semitism in Canada and around the world. Shortly after first taking office in 2006, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced a shift in the way that the Government would address the issue of anti-Semitism. While continuing to remember and mourn the tragedy of the Holocaust, our Government is also standing up to those who threaten Israel and its people. We are proud to be taking principled action that is bringing increased safety and security to Jewish communities here in Canada, combating global terrorism around the world and standing shoulder to shoulder with our democratic ally, Israel. As part of our Government’s new zero-tolerance approach to anti-Semitism, we are also working to dismantle the client relationship that existed between the Government of Canada and organizations whose priority is seemingly to criticize the Jewish people’s right to a homeland. As Prime Minister Harper said: “Let me be very clear: The Jewish people will always have a steadfast friend and a stalwart defender in our Government.”  For more information: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/releases/2009/2009-12-16.asp

That… Your Government is committed to making your communities safe. In December 2004, the previous government enacted regulations requiring imported firearms be marked with “CA” (for Canada) and the last two digits of the year of import. These regulations were originally scheduled to come into force on April 1, 2006 but due to concerns expressed by the industry they were deferred to December 1, 2007.  The current Conservative Government deferred it again to December 1, 2009, due to ongoing industry concerns and after consultation with stakeholders.  The decision to defer would allow the government to consult with law enforcement agencies and industry in order to look at all options for marking and to examine similar initiatives in other countries. Then recently, the Minister of Public Safety again deferred the coming into force of the Firearms Marking Regulations until December 1, 2010, to allow more time for consultation to develop a workable regulatory package. Currently all legal firearms can be traced through the serial number which is located on the firearm and this will not change. It is clear that Canada’s new government is committed to the safety of all Canadians and to strong and effective gun control.  For more information: http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/index-eng.htm

That… Minister Aglukkaq and Parliamentary Secretary Pierre Poilievre launched the “Drugs Not-for-Me” campaign – the youth component of our National Anti-Drug Strategy. Your Government understands the dangers of drugs and the destruction they can have on people’s lives which is why Prime Minister Harper launched our Government’s National Anti-Drug Strategy in 2007.
The National Anti-Drug Strategy has a two-track strategy: we will be tough on the dealers of drugs but compassionate to their victims, with a focus on prevention and treatment. This announcement launches a new youth component to the National Anti-Drug Strategy, which aims to educate our kids on the dangers of illicit drugs and encourages them turn their backs on drugs, consisting of TV ads, a website – http://www.not4me.ca – and other social media geared to youth.  The campaign is an effort to prevent kids from using drugs. The message from your Government is clear: drugs are dangerous and destructive.



OPEN HOUSE – Monday, December 21, 2009 at the Claresholm Constituency Office, 1 – 4pm
Please stop in for a Christmas visit, coffee and some homemade Christmas baking!



Please note: Our offices will be closed from noon on Wednesday, December 23 and will re-open Monday, January 4, 2010. Have a wonderful Christmas holiday!