MP REPORT – September 2006

October 01, 2006

Conservative Government Moves Forward in Parliament

With the fall session of Parliament back in full swing, the Conservative government announced a busy fall agenda that continues to get things done for families and taxpayers. We will deliver results for Canadians based on four pillars:

1. Accountability and Democratic Reform – by implementing the Federal Accountability Act and moving forward on Senate Reform Prime Minister Stephan Harper’s has recommended an eight year senate tenure.
2. Economic Management and Value for Money – with measures to ensure a strong economy for the long haul including value for money expenditure review;
3. Environment and Personal Health – by rolling out a series of practical measures to clean up the environment, including Canada’s first Clean Air Act; and
4. Crime and National Security – by continuing to tackle crime with tougher laws, more police and enhanced border security.
   

Referencing the second pillar, a key promise to Canadian families and taxpayers to reducing government spending, eliminating wasteful and ineffective government programs and paying down the national debt, on September 26th Finance Minister Jim Flaherty and President of the Treasury Board John Baird identified $1 billion in government savings, and $13.2 billion in surplus from 2005-2006 to be used to pay down Canada’s national debt. What this means is reducing the tax burden for future generations and the cost of financing debt.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai Visits Parliament:

On September 22nd, the Afghan President Hamid Karzai addressed Parliament. President’s Karzai’s visit to Parliament reinforced how Canadian men and women are making a difference in his country. President Karzai thanked Canada for helping Afghanistan rid itself of terrorists, rebuild its democratic institutions and restore its infrastructure.
The United Nation sanctioned, NATO-led mission to which Canada remains committed to protect Canadians by clearing out terrorist sanctuaries; reinforces Canada’s role as a leader in the fight for democracy and human rights; and fulfills a global promise to rebuild the shattered Afghan state.

Opening of the Legion House in Kanata

On September 16th, I was honoured to be in attendance at the opening of the National Headquarters of the Dominion Command of the Royal Canadian Legion in Kanata. As Minister of National Defence, I value greatly the mission of The Royal Canadian Legion, which is to serve veterans and their dependants, to promote Remembrance and to act in the service of Canada and its communities.

High Tech Update:

Carleton-Mississippi Mills is a diverse riding; geographically split between suburban and rural lines, each area having their own unique yet equally important issues. Most recently, this summer I gave constituents the opportunity to visit me at the “In Your Area Days” meeting, where many topics were discussed i.e. Health care, immigration, agricultural aid, Canadian sovereignty, tax cuts and the environment – just to mention to a few themes discussed.

I recognize the importance the high-tech industry as a significant economic generator of my constituents; and as the federal representative for this riding I have and will continue to speak up for this industry. In the coming weeks I will be meeting with industry representatives for an update on the state of the high-tech sector in our riding and for the opportunity to hear their expressed concerns and ideas.

Gordon O’Connor, PC, MP
Carleton-Mississippi Mills