REPORT FROM PARLIAMENT

Happy New Year! 2010 brings with it new opportunities, new goals and new priorities. To see our progression, it is helpful to look back at the year that has just passed.

In 2009 we introduced Canada’s Economic Action Plan. It combined support for workers and families, with targeted investments designed to help boost business in Canada. We are continuing to deliver the largest infrastructure investment in Canada’s history, with 97% of the Economic Action Project funding committed to 12, 000 projects across the country. These projects translate to jobs for individuals in communities hit by the economic recession.

Last year also brought us the Home Renovation Tax Credit. If you haven’t done any renovations to your home as of yet, fear not, you have until February 1^st, 2010 to take advantage of this tax credit. Basically, this credit allows you to earn up to $1,350 in tax rebates if you begin home renovations of $10,000 or less (before February). Not only do you get a tax incentive for increasing the value of your home, but you’re helping the economy.

To help keep your pocketbook balanced, we listened to Canadian shoppers and business that have raised important concerns about the practices and accountability of credit and debit card providers. From hidden fees, to constantly changing and confusing rules, and unclear monthly statements, consumers have made it clear that the system needed improvement and we delivered. Transaction records are now clearer, statements are now user friendly, and business owners are in a better position to choose which payment option they will accept at their establishment.

When it comes to the environment, we’ve been working hard to strike the right balance between ambitious environmental targets and realistic economic goals. Canada is a vast country, with a challenging climate, and a lot of natural resources. We have taken action on a number of environmental files, including clean water, clean air and a massive expansion of Canada’s National Park System. We are investing in a more sustainable environment through initiatives like the Clean Energy Fund, an investment of $1 billion over five years for clean energy research.

We have taken action on justice legislation to make sure that those who commit crimes serve the time befitting of the offences they committed. We have invested heavily into our Military to make sure our service men and women are safe and have up to date equipment to get the job done, be it in Canada’s Arctic or in the deserts of Afghanistan.

For 2010, I hope we will see complete economic recovery, a reduction of government spending and initiatives that will benefit Canadians from coast to coast. While the New Year will bring fresh challenges, your can be assured that your Conservative Government will continue to keep Canadian Families as its top priority.

Hon. Gerry Ritz is the Member of Parliament for Battlefords-Lloydminster www.gerryritzmp.ca