As we enter this New Year...

February 10, 2012

As we enter this New Year, I wish to reflect on Canada’s accomplishments during 2011. We have made tremendous strides internationally as a country and have much to be proud of.

Though the global economic condition remains uncertain, our Government continues to stay focused on jobs and growth. We will carry out our Economic Action Plan as promised. I am pleased to inform you that the implementation of our Economic Action Plan has already produced many positive outcomes for our country, for example: we have the strongest job growth in the G7 since July of 2009; Forbes magazine named Canada as the best country for business to grow and create jobs; and it was predicted that Canada would have the some fo the strongest economic growth within the G-7 countries for 2012.

I have been busy helping to implement our Government’s Deficit Reduction Action Plan (DRAP), which focuses on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of Government operations to ensure value for taxpayers’ dollars. All federal departments, Agencies, and Crown Corporations have been asked to identify and propose efficiencies for this process. The results of this plan will be incorporated into Budget 2012. It is our Government’s expectation that public funding be used in the most precise, efficient, and accountable manner as possible.

Our Government delivered on election promises by introducing the Safe Streets and Communities Act (Bill C-10), scrapping the long-gun registry, ending the monopoly of the Canadian Wheat Board, and introducing legislation to implement fairness in representation for the House of Commons. I also had the tremendous opportunity to table my first piece of legislation, Bill C-25, An Act to implement Pooled Registered Pension Plans (PRPPs) for hard working Canadians.  The PRPP is a new savings option for the 60% of Canadians without a workplace pension plan.

Canada continues to improve our relations with the United States regarding economic competition, border security, and regulatory cooperation. The agreements will facilitate more efficient flow of goods and people showing significant progress in Canada-U.S. collaboration since the implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement.

It is a privilege to have served as your Member of Parliament since 2004. I am honoured to have this responsibility and to represent you in the House of Commons and look forward to continuing this role in 2012.

On behalf of my wife Sandy, and my entire family, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all once again for your continued support.