Did You Know...? - Edition 11

October 02, 2009

That… Prime Minister Harper presented our government’s Third Report to Canadians highlighting the progress on the implementation of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. In just over 100 days, we are already seeing progress as our government continues to implement Canada’s Economic Action Plan. Because of our swift actions, 90% of the plan is already being implemented. Funds have been committed to 7,500 projects and 4,000 projects have already begun in the first six months of our 24-month plan. Projects across the country are up and running, jobs are being created and communities across the land are seeing the benefits. Other measures of Canada’s Economic Action Plan that have already been implemented include reducing the tax burden on Canadian families and businesses including assisting the unemployed by extending EI benefits, making it easier to qualify and expanding EI training programs; and investing in the economy of the future by upgrading infrastructure, expanding graduate student internships, and investing in green technologies.

That… Minister Flaherty introduced the Economic Recovery Act on September 30th. This bill implements measures from the Budget, some of which were in last week’s Ways-and-Means Motion.
Canada’s Economic Action Plan is getting results.  It is stimulating the economy, and protecting and creating jobs. We have made great progress, but there is still more to do. Our Government will stay on course in implementing the Economic Action Plan. The Economic Recovery Act introduced today will implement key measures in Canada’s Economic Action Plan, such as the Home Renovation Tax Credit.  It will also implement vital initiatives that will help to secure a strong recovery, such as critical support for farmers who have been dealing with drought. Canada’s Economic Action Plan has already and will continue to create jobs, and provide tax relief.  It will assist those who have weathered tough economic times, and help build a stronger future for all Canadians.
   
That… Bill C-391, a bill to eliminate the gun registry was debated in the House on Monday, September 28. Candice Hoeppner, our MP in Portage Lisgar, started the debate by asking all members of the House, including Opposition MPs “to stand up for what their constituents want and for what they believe is in the best interest of Canadians,” by supporting the elimination of the long-gun registry. In 2006, Our Government promised to end the wasteful gun registry and instead focus

important crime-fighting resources on real criminals - not farmers and hunters. Unfortunately, the opposition parties have continually blocked our efforts.  Canadians put their trust in our Government because of our commitment to get tough on crime and to make our streets safer, including the illegal use of firearms. Instead of defending the ineffective long-gun registry, the Opposition needs to stop stalling these important pieces of legislation the Government has introduced so that they can pass and become law.

That… In response to a legally binding ruling by the Softwood Lumber Tribunal, Minister Day tabled notice for a ways and means motion that would introduce a surcharge on Canadian lumber exports at the Canada-US border. We are disappointed that the Tribunal did not accept Canada’s proposed solution. We continue to believe that our offer to pay CDN $46.7 million was fair. However, there is no further route for appeal. This ruling orders Canada to collect a surcharge at the border. The Government will comply with the Tribunal’s decision. Tabling a ways and means motion is the only way to comply with the Tribunal’s ruling and ensure we keep the money collected in Canada, whereupon it will be returned to the provinces affected. Minister Day has spoken to both the industry and provinces, and they agree that this measure is necessary to uphold and ensure the success of the Softwood Lumber Agreement. The Softwood Lumber Agreement has brought stability and has returned nearly $5 billion to the industry. Doing nothing ensures that the United States would keep revenues collected from Canadian industry, and jeopardizes the entire Softwood Lumber Agreement.

That… Minister Clement and Minister Paradis made an announcement earlier in the week regarding access to service for consumers and automotive repair shops. Our Conservative government places a high importance on consumer protection and support for a fair, efficient and competitive marketplace in Canada. Giving Canadians a choice in the vehicle repair marketplace is a victory for small business and for consumers. A voluntary agreement among automobile manufacturers’ and the trade associations in Canada will mean that independent repair shops can compete on an equal footing with auto dealerships. These independents will have access to the same technical information and tools as the big dealerships. This means that consumers can receive the same level of service on their vehicle repairs at their local or independent car repair shop that they would have at a dealership.  The result will be more choice for car owners. This announcement is good news for the consumer, good news for small businesses and good news for a competitive Canadian marketplace.

That… The CBC is reporting that the United States has agreed to grant Canada a waiver to the Buy America provisions. The Prime Minister has repeatedly raised our concerns over Buy America with President Obama. The Prime Minister also took the opportunity to raise our concerns over Buy America with the US Congressional leadership during his recent visit to Washington DC. The Prime Minister and Minister Day will continue to make our case until such time that the matter is resolved.

That… The Government of Canada will help protect Canadian Credit Card users. Building on the Government's earlier pledge and following public consultations, the Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, announced that new credit card regulations have been approved and will be published in Part II of the Canada Gazette on September 30, 2009. The majority of the regulations will come into force on January 1, 2010. A few provisions, such as the 21-day grace period, will take effect on September 1, 2010. For further information, http://www.fin.gc.ca/n08/09-089-eng.asp

That… The Government of Canada acted to boost economic recovery and promote stability. The Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, introduced the Economic Recovery Act in the House of Commons. This legislation is pursuant to the adoption of a Ways and Means Motion by the House of Commons on September 18, 2009. For further information, http://www.fin.gc.ca/n08/09-090-eng.asp

That… The Government plans further tariff relief to benefit Canadian businesses. The Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, announced public consultations on the Government’s intention to eliminate all remaining tariffs on imported machinery and equipment and manufacturing inputs used by Canadian industry. The consultations will run until November 6. For further information, http://www.fin.gc.ca/n08/09-087-eng.asp

That… The Government of Canada and the Canadian Pork Council are partnering to deliver $75 million through the Hog Farm Transition Program. The Hog Farm Transition Program will allow producers to tender bids for the amount of funding they need to transition out of the hog industry and cease hog production for at least three years. The program will be retroactive to April 1, 2009. The Canadian Pork Council will have registration forms for the program available to producers beginning October 8, 2009, on their website at: www.cpc-ccp.com. For more information visit www.agr.gc.ca/HILLRP or call 1-888-346-2511.