Did you know...? - Edition 39

April 30, 2010

Did You Know That… Minister of State for Democratic Refore, Steven Fletcher introduced legislation that reaffirms your Government’s commitment to increase voter participation by providing Canadians with more opportunities to vote. Voter participation is a cornerstone of democracy. Getting to the polls is becoming more and more difficult for Canadians as their schedules are becoming busier with commitments at home, work and in the community. Your Government is committed to improving democratic institutions by helping Canadians get to the polls. The Increasing Voter Participation Act will give Canadian voters two additional advance polling days including the Sunday before election day when all polling stations across the country will be open. Increasing the number of advance polling days will provide more chances to vote and will lead to increased voter turnout. Your Government will continue to act to strengthen Canada’s democracy. For more information: http://www.democraticreform.gc.ca/index.asp?lang=eng&Page=news-comm&Sub=news-comm&Doc=20100426-eng.htm

Did You Know That… At the G8 Development Ministers meeting in Halifax, Canada and the United States reiterated their commitment to saving the lives of mothers and children in the developing world. Dr. Rajiv Shah, Administrator for USAID and the representative of the United States Government, stated that their focus is on, “the interventions that we know are going to be most effective at saving the lives of women and children around the world.”  This is also the focus of the Canadian government.  At the upcoming G-8 Leaders’ Summit, Canada will champion an initiative to increase the number of healthy pregnancies, healthy mothers and healthy children, including: training and support for frontline health workers; treatment and prevention of diseases such as pneumonia, diarrhea, malaria and sepsis; screening and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases including HIV/AIDS; proper mediation; family planning; immunication; clean water and sanitation and better nutrition.  For more information: http://g8.gc.ca/6555/g8-development-ministers-strongly-commit-to-save-the-lives-of-mothers-and-children-in-developing-countries/

Did You Know That… Minister of State for Democratic Reform, Steven Fletcher, took the next step in reforming Canada’s Senate with the introduction of the Senatorial Selection Act. Canadians have clearly expressed their desire for Senate reform. Your government is committed to a modern, accountable and elected Senate. The government unveiled the next step in achieving that goal – the Senatorial Selection Act. The Senatorial Selection Act encourages provinces to hold Senate elections and further obliges the Prime Minister to consider the democratically elected nominees. The Government already demonstrated a commitment and willingness to appoint Senators voted in by the people with the appointment of Senator Bert Brown. This Act demonstrates the continued desire to do so. The Government will continue their efforts to create a modern, accountable, and elected Senate that better reflects a 21st century democracy. For more information: http://www.democraticreform.gc.ca/index.asp?lang=eng&Page=news-comm&Sub=news-comm&Doc=20100427-eng.htm

Did You Know That… Minister of State for Democratic Refore, Steven Fletcher announced legislation to strengthen the accountability of political financing. Canadians expect transparency and accountability from political parties and politicians. The Political Loans Accountability Act builds on the principles of transparency and accountability enacted by the government’s landmark Federal Accountability Act. Reaffirming your Government’s commitment to transparency and accountability, the Act: tightens rules to ensure candidates cannot walk away from political loans;  puts into place a new transparent reporting process for such loans;  bans unions and corporations from loaning cash to political parties and candidates; and limits the maximum individual contribution to these entities.  Every day Canadians are expected to pay back loans and the same should apply to politicians. Unlike in the past, this Act will create a uniform and transparent set of rules for the use of loans and eliminate the influence of big money from the political process. The Government is ensuring greater accountability to citizens and enhanced confidence amongst Canadians in the integrity of their political institutions. For more information: http://www.democraticreform.gc.ca/index.asp?lang=eng&Page=news-comm&Sub=news-comm&Doc=20100428-eng.htm

Did You Know That… Statistics Canada announced that GDP grew 0.3% in February.  These GDP numbers show yet again that Canada’s Economic Action Plan is working. Canada has now benefited from six consecutive months of economic growth.    The Plan is creating jobs and promoting economic growth in communities right across Canada.  Since July 2009, Canada has created almost 180,000 new jobs.  In fact, the IMF and OECD predict Canada will lead the G-7 in growth this year and next year.  Standard & Poors, the world’s premier credit-rating agency, recently confirmed Canada’s enviable fiscal position, saying, “Of the other G7 countries … Canada is posting the best fiscal results. Canada also best weathered the financial crisis … [and] is now well positioned to continue to outperform.” While it is encouraging to see our economy stabilizing, the global recovery remains fragile.   Jobs and growth remain your government’s top priority. .

Did You Know That… Minister of National Revenue, Keith Ashfield highlighted the government’s efforts to reduce the tax burden on Canadians. In line with conservative economic principles, this government has been cutting personal, consumption and business taxes. In fact, since taking office, the government has reduced the overall tax burden on Canadians to its lowest level in nearly 50 years. Tax savings measures are an essential part of our government’s effort to stimulate the economy, create and maintain jobs and help ensure a solid foundation for Canada’s future growth. A few examples of our tax relief measures include:  for those looking to buy their first or upgrade their current home, the first-time home buyers’ tax credit and the popular home renovation tax credit;  for families, the children’s fitness tax credit and a public transit tax credit;  for senior, pension income splitting; and for tradespeople, a tools deduction and the red seal completion bonus.  Through these and many more tax cutting measures, the government is delivering lower taxes for Canadians.