MP REPORT – February 2007

February 23, 2007

In Your Area Days
During the month of January, I hosted five In Your Area Days throughout Carleton-Mississippi Mills. These meetings highlighted that most families were concerned about issues such as – safer communities and streets, healthcare, rebuilding the military, and having an accountable and honest government. Additionally, the environment has become a priority for many people. I feel that these meetings were very successful and have allowed me to reconnect with the people of Carleton-Mississippi Mills.

Online Budget Consultations
Recently my colleague, the Honourable James Flaherty, introduced that our government will once again be offering Canadians the chance to participate in online budget consultations. Last year roughly 6,000 Canadians participated in this process and I anticipate that this year will again prove successful. I am very proud of this program because it puts all Canadians on an equal playing field and allows everyone to share their views and suggestions. On behalf of the Government of Canada, I hope that you have had a chance to share your opinions with the Minister of Finance once again this year at http://www.fin.gc.ca/activty/consult_e.html.

Moving Forward with Our Commitments
Prime Minister Stephen Harper and our Conservative Government have once again outlined our priorities for the upcoming session and I personally believe that they are very achievable and will continue to improve the lives of ordinary Canadians now and in the years to come.

Our priorities for the coming session of Parliament include:
• Further tax reductions as part of a comprehensive economic agenda;
• Continued steps to tackle crime;
• Further strengthening of Canada’s global image, and rebuilding the Canadian Forces;
• Strengthening the federation by addressing Senate reform and fiscal balance with the provinces; and
• Clear, decisive steps to protect our environment.

Please contact my office at (613) 592-3469 or by e-mail at mp@gordonoconnor.ca if you have any comments or questions for me.

Gordon O’Connor, PC, MP
Carleton-Mississippi Mills
mpmedia.xpr.ca