MP Report - January 2008

January 31, 2008

I am very pleased with our government’s accomplishments over the past year and to have met so many of you and heard your stories.  2007 was a busy year for our government and we will continue to work hard for you again in 2008.

In Carleton-Mississippi Mills:

Over the past year, I hosted eleven In Your Area Day meetings.  These were held in Kanata, Almonte, Stittsville, Richmond, and Carp.  In addition to the In Your Area Day meetings, my staff and I met with numerous constituents from across Carleton-Mississippi Mills in individual meetings in my Constituency Office.  We were able to resolve most issues and I hope to hear from many more constituents over the coming year.

In The House of Commons:

Throughout 2007, our government has remained fixed on our fundamental values:  to build a stronger, safer, healthier, and more prosperous country.  Because of our efforts, our economy is strong, the government is clean, and the country is united.

We passed two Throne Speeches which delivered tax cuts to all Canadians, increased security, crime prevention measures, real goals for the environment, and many more productive measures.

During the Fall Session, our government committed to placing additional priorities on measures such as tax relief (which you will be noticing when you file your income taxes) and our citizens’ safety.  We also introduced new anti-crime legislation that respects victims and law-abiding citizens.  These new laws will help us get tough on dangerous offenders, take property crime seriously, protect our youth from sexual predators, and crack down on drug-related offences.

In December, the Prime Minister announced the new Food and Consumer Safety Action plan, a set of measures that will make Canadians safer by legislating tougher federal government regulation of food, health, and consumer products.  These measures include:

• Mandatory product recalls when companies fail to act on legitimate safety concerns.
• Making importers responsible for the safety of goods they bring into Canada.
• Increasing maximum fines under the Food and Drug Act from $5,000 up to current international standards.
• Better safety information for consumers and guidance to industries on building safety throughout their supply chains.
  

The Department of Finance has been conducting online pre-budget consultations for Budget 2008 which our government will be tabling in the House of Commons shortly.  I will keep you apprised of the details when it is announced.