MP REPORT – August 2006

September 01, 2006

Upcoming Fall Session of the 39th Parliament

In the spring session of Parliament, the government’s legislative priorities were made abundantly clear. We made promises during the last election and we’re simply delivering on those promises. Canadians are finally seeing a government that does what it said it would do.

This fall session of Parliament is expected to reconvene on September 18th where the Prime Minister once again, will set forth a focused agenda. This government will continue to tackle crime, provide tax relief, support families and create opportunities for all Canadians. I will, as Minister of Defence, be presenting the ‘Canada First’ Defence Plan. Notable legislation that will come before Parliament includes: a Made-In-Canada Environmental Plan and the Softwood Lumber Deal.

Queensway Carleton Hospital Deal:
On August 8th, MP Pierre Poilievre for Nepean Carleton along with Ottawa West Nepean MP John Baird announced that the Queensway Carleton Hospital will receive its land for one dollar per year.

The hospital sits on National Capital Commission land and currently pays about $23,000 a year in rent. Now, with this deal for $1 a year for a $7 million piece of land, the deal will mean that money will be directed to front-line health care services and improved patient care. I would like to commend Pierre Poilievre and John Baird for their hard work in establishing this deal, as health care is a number one priority for Canadians.

Reasserting Canadian Sovereignty over the Arctic
In mid-August, I accompanied Prime Minister Stephen Harper on a visit of the North, to reaffirm the government’s commitment to ensuring that Canada’s jurisdiction over the islands, waterways and resources in the High Arctic is respected by all nations.

As outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea:
• Canada’s jurisdiction along its Arctic border extends outward 200 miles into the surrounding sea, just as it does along our Atlantic and Pacific coastlines;
• Those entering our waters must respect Canadian laws and regulations, particularly those that protect the Arctic environment.

Thirteen years of Liberal inaction have shown that Arctic sovereignty cannot be defended by words alone. It requires a presence on the ground, in the air and on the sea and a Government that is recognized for delivering on its commitments.

Canada’s New Government will strengthen Arctic sovereignty through:
• Examining options for a deep water port in the Arctic that will extend the Navy’s reach even further;
• A new Arctic training centre;
• New increased surveillance in the North to provide patrols through the Arctic; and
• Revitalizing the Canadian Rangers.

The North is poised to take a much bigger role in Canada’s economic and social development. Canada’s New Government will back our sovereignty with all the tools at our disposal, including the men and women of the Canadian Forces.

For more information on any government announcements mentioned above or for assistance with federal government problem resolutions please contact my Constituency office at (613) 592-3469 or email mp@gordonoconnor.ca


Gordon O’Connor, P.C., M.P.
Carleton-Mississippi Mills