Protecting Canada’s Future

November 20, 2008

In last month’s general election, Canadians voiced their trust in Prime Minister Harper by voting to renew and strengthen the mandate of our Government. They did so with the belief that the Harper Government is the best team to guide Canada through the looming economic storm.

That storm is now here and we are already starting to see the effects of the global downturn around the world.  During this challenging time, our Government is mindful of the privilege and responsibility with which we have been entrusted.  As your MP, I am humbled by this opportunity. We have difficult work ahead but you have my commitment that I will work relentlessly to address the challenges that we must face together, today and in the future.

Our recent Speech from the Throne confirmed our Government’s commitment to ensuring Canada’s continued economic success, even as we are faced with global economic instability. The Speech outlines our five-pronged plan to safeguard Canada’s economic security and protect Canada’s future.

First, in the coming weeks and months, Canadians will see action as our government works with our trading partners and allies around the world to reform global finances; a global problem requires a global solution.

Second, ensuring sound budgeting is essential. Our government will never allow Canadians to suffer simply to balance the books, but at the same time, Canada must never return to ongoing unsustainable structural deficits. We will look at all spending under a microscope to ensure that taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars are used with care.

Third, secure jobs for families and communities will be a priority. We will strengthen our workforce by encouraging trades and apprenticeships, by supporting workers facing transition due to age or changed circumstances, and by providing further support for our auto and aerospace industries, on which the livelihood of so many Canadian families depend.

Fourth, just as the financial worries began beyond our borders, so too can we find international solutions by seeking out new investment and trade. Cooperation with our allies is also key. Our Government will look at ways to develop shared solutions with the new Obama Administration in the United States. We will seek out new, safe, trading opportunities for Canada around the globe.
And finally, in addition to these measures, we will work to make government more effective. Action like reducing red tape, improving the way in which programs are delivered, fixing procurement and improving management of federal agencies will help government serve all Canadians better, now and in the future. 

As we move forward with our sights firmly fixed on responsible economic management, there will be hard decisions that will have to be made in order to keep federal spending under control and focused on results.  These will be made to keep Canada strong. Just as households review spending decisions when falling on difficult times, the government must do the same. While safeguarding the Canadian economy is key to protecting Canada’s future, the Speech from the Throne includes other areas where the Harper Government will be looking to deliver results for Canadians.

Canada has vast, untapped sources of clean energy which can be used to secure our energy future. Whether through the further development of natural gas in our North or the government's readiness to regulate new, nuclear projects, we will work to reduce our dependence on crude oil.
Exploring new and existing clean energy options will also enable us to work towards a greener future. While moving forward with our 20 percent greenhouse gas reduction plan by 2020, our Government will also ensure that 90 percent of our electricity needs are met by non-greenhouse gas emitting sources within that timeframe. We will also safeguard Canada’s bountiful water supply by banning bulk water exports.

Canada is an exceptionally diverse nation and our Government intends to help all Canadians participate. That’s why we are further improving the Universal Child Care Benefit, increasing access to maternity and parental benefits under Employment Insurance and acting to provide help to those Canadians who are caring for loved ones with disabilities.

As the Government safeguards Canada’s economic security, so too will we act to protect our homes, our communities and our borders. In addition to continuing on our commitment to crack down on crime in order to keep Canadians safe, we will likewise continue to contribute to global safety. We will continue to support our troops by rebuilding the Canadian Forces, and honour our commitment to bring safety, security and the rule of law to Afghanistan until our military withdrawal in 2011.

Finally, the Speech from the Throne calls for the building of stronger institutions that will be more accountable to all Canadians and enable all voices across the country to be heard and respected, now and in the future.

With the strong governing mandate outlined in the Throne Speech, Canadian individuals, families and businesses can be assured that they are not only protected for the future, but they will also emerge from this period of global economic instability stronger than ever before.

Brian Jean
MP, Fort McMurray – Athabasca