Did you know...? - Edition 99

September 30, 2011

Did You Know That… The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, announced that your Government gave final approval for tough new warnings for tobacco products, as well as the coming into force of new regulations under the Tobacco Act.   Canadians gave your Government a strong mandate to continue efforts aimed at keeping our citizens healthy and these warnings are part of a new regulation under the Tobacco Act which is now in effect.  The regulations announced in December 2010 include 16 warnings covering 75% of the front and back of cigarette and little cigar packages; 8 health information messages; and 4 toxic emission statements on the sides of packages.  Tobacco manufacturers and importers have until March 21st to transition to the new labels, while retailers will have until June 19th to ensure all packages on their shelves feature these new labels. For more information: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hc-ps/tobac-tabac/legislation/label-etiquette/index-eng.php

Did You Know That… The Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry re-introduced the Copyright Modernization Bill in the House of Commons. In the Speech from the Throne, your Government promised to reintroduce copyright legislation that balances the needs of creators and users.  Your Government recognizes the critical role modern copyright laws play in protecting and creating jobs in Canada’s digital economy.  That is why we re-introduced this legislation to ensure that Canada’s copyright laws are modern, flexible and in line with current international standards.  This Bill delivers a common-sense balance between the interests of consumers and the rights of Canadians whose research, development and artistic creativity strengthen our economy.  By re-introducing this Bill without changes, the Government is reiterating its support for a balanced approach to copyright reform, and enabling Parliamentarians to pick up where the last Committee left off.  For more information: http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/ic1.nsf/eng/06803.html

Did You Know That…The content of the Safe Streets and Communities Act has already been extensively debated. In Parliament, these combined bills have been debated on 52 separate days, including 250 speeches. They have also been in committee for 58 days, hearing 295 witnesses over 123 hours.  Canadians gave your government a strong mandate to keep the commitments we made during the election – this includes the Safe Street and Communities Act, which we committed to passing within 100 sitting days.   For more information: http://justice.gc.ca/eng/news-nouv/nr-cp/2011/doc_32639.html

Did You Know That…Statistics Canada announced Canada’s economy grew +0.3% in July. Your Government is squarely focused on what matters to Canadians – jobs and economic growth.  Canada’s economic growth in July and the nearly 600,000 net new jobs created since July 2009 is encouraging and a sign we’re on the right track for Canadian families.  But we know the global recovery is fragile – especially in the United States and Europe.  Although Canada is projected to have among the strongest economic growth in the G7 in the years ahead by the IMF and OECD, we are not immune to global economic turbulence. That’s why your Government is working hard to implement the Next Phase of Canada’s Economic Action Plan – and its job-creating measures like the Hiring Credit for Small Business.  For more information: http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/110930/dq110930a-eng.htm