REPORT FROM PARLIAMENT

The new session of parliament is drawing closer, and the whispering about a fall election is becoming louder. While I would prefer to make Parliament work, the opposition seems to have forgotten about the meaning of cooperation.   They prefer to denounce legislation and government Bills before they’ve even read them. 

Despite the lack of cooperation from the opposition parties, your Conservative Government has managed to have some legislation passed that will help the average Canadian through tough economic times and into the future. Let me remind you of a just a few of the good things our government has done.

- In recognition of the impact of the deterioration in market conditions on retirement savings, we provided seniors with $200 million in tax relief by reducing the required minimum withdrawal amount for 2009 RRIF by 25 per cent.

- To develop the infrastructure necessary to drive the economy of tomorrow the Conservative Government invested $57 million in post secondary institutions throughout Saskatchewan. This investment is in addition to the $55 million being contributed by the Government of Saskatchewan and $6 million being provided through private contributors.

- To help facilitate leading-edge research and assist the studies of the skilled professionals of the future the Conservative Government provided 475 grants worth $56.7 million and 922 scholarships worth $15.9 million to researchers, undergraduate, and graduate students attending universities across the prairies.

- The goal to reduce the amount of Red Tap for Small Business by 20% has been achieved. This reduction will allow businesses to focus on their customer’s needs rather than filing redundant paperwork.

While the opposition continues to focus its attention on attaining power, your Conservative Government is committed to finding solutions to issues that affect Canadians. As your Member of Parliament, I am honoured to speak on your behalf and will continue to work hard to represent your views in Ottawa.

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