Ray Boughen Op-Ed on the 2009-2010 Legislative Session

July 10, 2010

Summer is a time for barbecues, and spending time with family and friends at the lake.  Hopefully, the pace of life slows just a bit, so we can all take stock of where we’ve been and where we’re going.  That is certainly the case for those of us who have the privilege of representing you in Ottawa.  Our parliamentary session drew to a close last month, and whether I’m working in Ottawa, or here in Palliser, I feel a sense of pride, and a cautious optimism that grows stronger all the time.
Moose Jaw citizens face many pressures with their cost of living.  Whether it is buying groceries, paying bills or any other household expense…the costs add up.  The best way any government can help is to lower taxes and allow everyone to hold on to more of what they earn.  At the start of this year, in Budget 2010, we introduced more tax-saving measures targeted to help all Canadians. 
We delivered $3.2 billion in personal income tax relief. This includes allowing Canadians to earn more income before paying federal income tax and before being subject to higher tax rates. It includes the enhanced Working Income Tax Benefit to strengthen work incentives for low-income Canadians. We improved our $1,200 a year Universal Childcare Benefit so single parents can save up to $168 a year in tax relief.  Lastly, we’re taking action to bring Canada back to balanced budgets by not raising taxes.
As the economy recovers, and Canadians get back to work, helping you hold on to more of your earnings ensures that our country’s economic fundamentals stay strong.
 
In the last few months, our Government has made investments right here in Moose Jaw and the surrounding area:

• We provided $5,400 for the Motif Moose Jaw Multicultural Festival through Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.  This annual festival celebrates the local arts and culture of Moose Jaw.  I encourage everyone to attend this weekend and look forward to seeing you there.
• We provided $22,298 to the Caronport Golden Age Association Inc. for facility renovations through the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program.
• We provided $65,000 to the Association Communautaire Fransaskoise de Moose Jaw Inc. through Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Cooperation with the Community Sector.

 
Also, Moose Jaw became safer by protecting our most vulnerable citizens.  Our Government is cracking down on crime by:

• Taking action to fight child exploitation through legislation that will better protect children from online sexual predators.
• Reintroducing legislation to crack down on organized drug crime including mandatory jail time for serious offences.
• Eliminating the two-for-one sentencing credit for time served in custody before or during trial.

Our Government had many other important accomplishments this session:

• On the international stage, we’re helping to re-build Haiti by deploying a rapid and comprehensive humanitarian response, involving departmental agencies from all across the federal government. 
• We’re protecting Canada by introducing the Combating Terrorism Act to provide more tools for police and prosecutors to prevent and investigate terrorist activities. 

2010 is shaping up to be Canada’s Year in the international spotlight.  Under the strong leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Conservatives are taking action to create a stronger Canada and stronger economy.  With Canada returning to positive economic growth, there are so many reasons to be confident about the future of our community, and our great country.