Did You Know...? - Edition 30

February 26, 2010

Did You Know That… Canada’s Transport Minister John Baird announced new steps the Government of Canada is taking to strengthen our air transportation system against the threat of terrorism, enhance the protection of air travellers and better align the system with international standards. The safety and security of all Canadians is of the utmost importance to our government.  We will take any steps necessary to ensure air travel is safe.
In response to the continued and evolving threat of terrorism, our government has invested in state-of-the art technologies and screening methods. Because our government believes the rising cost of air travel security should be borne by those who use the service, and not by all Canadian taxpayers, the Air Travellers’ Security Charge will be increased by roughly one-half. At the same time, those who are paying for air travel security need assurance that their contribution is being invested efficiently and responsibly, and that it is delivering results. To this end, next month our government will launch a full review of the spending, efficiency and structure of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority.  For more information: http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/mediaroom/releases-2010-h025e-5847.htm

Did You Know That… On Thursday, March 4, 2010, the Minister of Finance will present Budget 2010 in the House of Commons. This will be a jobs and growth budget that will focus on implementing Phase II of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, while also beginning to look further down the road at tomorrow’s challenges. Key themes of the budget will be job creation, economic growth and deficit reduction once our economic recovery is assured.

Did You Know That… Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Rob Nicholson announced that the Government’s Truth in Sentencing Act is now in force. Law-abiding Canadian families deserve to have confidence in their justice system. But thirteen years of Liberal inaction on crime eroded that confidence. Under the previous government’s watch, it became common practice for courts to grant criminals extra credit for time served before their trial, which put them back on the streets before they had paid their full debt to society. Your Government found this unacceptable and we acted. The Truth in Sentencing Act, which came into force on February 22nd, will strictly limit the amount of credit granted for time served in custody prior to sentencing. Your Government is delivering on our commitment of ensuring that criminals serve the sentence that reflects the severity of their crime.  For more information: http://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/news-nouv/nr-cp/2010/doc_32484.html 

Did You Know That… Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Lawrence Cannon, announced that Canada's mission in Haiti will soon be shifting from an emergency response mission led by the Canadian Forces to an ongoing humanitarian mission led by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT), the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and other civilian personnel. Canadian Forces personnel and assets deployed to date have played a critical role in bolstering Haitian and international emergency humanitarian relief efforts in the immediate aftermath of this crisis.  The Canadian Forces, CIDA and DFAIT have coordinated closely to produce potable water, provide medical support, heavy equipment and engineering expertise, and facilitate logistics. Withdrawing certain elements of the Canadian Forces from Haiti, such as the HMCS Halifax, is part of a coordinated Government of Canada transition plan, and reflects the growing ability of the Government of Haiti, the United Nations and other humanitarian actors to play a leadership role in the delivery of emergency relief. Any decisions about the withdrawal of Canadian Forces assets are being taken in consultation with the Government of Haiti, the United Nations and other key partners. Canada will continue to play a leadership role during the reconstruction phase in support of the Government of Haiti. As Prime Minister Harper announced during his recent trip to Haiti, Canada is supporting the construction of a Temporary Government Administrative Base for the Haitian Government in Port au Prince. Canada is also helping to rebuild the capacities of the Haiti national police, prisons, border and justice institutions. For more information: http://www.international.gc.ca/humanitarian-humanitaire/earthquake_seisme_haiti.aspx

Did You Know That… As the Government of Canada prepares to present a new Throne Speech and Budget, we remain focused on the number one priority of Canadians – jobs and economic growth.  Our economy is starting to recover from the global economic recession – but that recovery is tentative and uncertain.  This is no time to change course.  But it is time to begin looking further down the road at tomorrow’s challenges.  It is imperative that we press ahead to implement year two of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.  What we do now will determine how quickly and strongly we emerge from the economic downturn.  Your Government remains focussed on protecting jobs and creating the conditions for growth.  We will continue to create and preserve jobs as we complete the 12,000 stimulus projects underway across Canada.  We will maintain competitive tax rates and begin reducing the deficit once the economy has recovered.  We will open new markets for Canadian goods and services.  And we will tackle barriers to growth and job creation.  We have consulted with Canadians across the country and they want their government to continue to focus on the economy and create jobs.  Our agenda for the future is your agenda – a strong economy, job creation, growth and opportunity.

Did You Know That… The Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, welcomed the launch of an unprecedented public consultation with Canadians on financial literacy, as the Task Force on Financial Literacy released a discussion paper entitled Leveraging Excellence. The Task Force, announced by Minister Flaherty as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, released the discussion paper to mark the beginning of a three-month national consultation. The Task Force will meet with Canadians in 15 cities across the country and host an interactive online forum. After consultations are complete, the Task Force will make recommendations to create a national strategy to enhance financial literacy. For more information,  http://www.fin.gc.ca/n10/10-012-eng.asp.

Did You Know That… Your Member of Parliament Ted Menzies is pleased to report on his successful activities on behalf of all Canadians in January and February 2010.  As one of the most influential people in government and politics in Ottawa in 2010 (The Hill Times, December 14, 2009) Menzies has traveled the country to learn about Canadians’ priorities for the upcoming federal budget and the second phase of the Economic Action Plan.  Despite Menzies’ hectic schedule, he has continued to make time for his valued constituents, attending community events in every corner of the riding.  Prorogation has provided him with the opportunity to carry out important work on behalf of his constituents in Macleod, while giving the upcoming federal budget the attention that it deserves.  Over the past three months, Menzies has consulted with Canadians across the country and they want their government to continue to focus on the economy and create jobs.  Your government’s agenda for the future is your agenda – a strong economy, job creation, growth and opportunity. Since December, Menzies has participated in countless meetings and events, both at home in Macleod and across the country, including: Pre-Budget Consultation Roundtables in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario; Official Olympic Torch community events in High River, Okotoks, Springbank and Lethbridge; a fundraiser for Bragg Creek Snowbirds Seniors Fellowship, attended the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Canada (CMHC) funding announcement on the Blood Reserve; had a constituency office Open House as well as Constituency Meetings and facility tours throughout the riding; participated in local a Trade Fair in Claresholm; and had numerous meetings with Finance Minister Jim Flaherty in preparation of Budget 2010.  Back in Ottawa now, Menzies is looking forward to a new Throne Speech and Budget, but is conscious of the work ahead.