MP Report June 2006

July 01, 2006

My thoughts on the 1st Session of the 39th Parliament

The current session of parliament ended at 3:35pm on 22 June, 2006 - five months after the new Conservative Government was elected. Being in Cabinet in this minority government I can say that we have worked hard to deliver on our election promises with the best interest of all Canadians in mind.

This last session has been full of activity. In my position as the Minister of Defence, the first few weeks I spent extensive time being briefed on this portfolio; I represented the Canadian Government in Italy, Afghanistan, Belgium, and throughout Canada visiting various ridings and Canadian Forces Bases’. I was present in the Commons for all votes that took place and regularly attended the various government committees.

In addition I continued to hold one-on-one appointments with constituents in my Kanata office, attended 22 special celebrations, and attended 21 community functions over the course of this last session. It has been a busy session but one in which this Government has truly started to move forward on delivering results for ordinary Canadians.

Four Reasons to Celebrate in July

As of July Canada’s new government is delivering for ordinary Canadians with four of our election promises coming into effect. Starting on Canada Day - July 1st, Canadians will see one of the largest tax cuts in the country’s history when the GST goes from 7 percent down to 6 percent, which means more money in the pockets of every Canadian.

July 1st is also when parents of young children under six years old will begin to receive the Universal Childcare Benefit -- $1,200 per year for each child under six -- to help them cope with the cost of child care. After just a few weeks in office, Prime Minister Stephen Harper delivered a plan to encourage choice in childcare by sending $1,200 per year for each child under six directly to parents and moving forward with a real plan to create new child care spaces.

Third, Canadian workers will benefit July 1st as the first day Canada’s new government starts giving them a break on what it costs to work. It was a Stephen Harper campaign commitment, and now it’s a reality. The Canada Employment Credit comes into effect starting July 1st to lower taxes for all working Canadians and help them cover the costs of work related expenses such as uniforms and home computers. More of your hard-earned money in your pocket instead of the government’s pocket is always a reason to celebrate!

And finally, July 1st marks the beginning of a new and comprehensive plan to reduce greenhouse gases, improve the quality of the air we breathe, reduce traffic congestion, and save money at the same time. Starting on July 1st, Canada’s new government will provide a non-refundable tax credit on the cost of transit passes. As a result, transit users who spend $80 per month on transit passes could save up to $75 this year and up to $150 next year – yet another reason to celebrate.

A cut to the GST, $1,200 per year in direct child care support, relief for working Canadians and tax breaks to reduce air pollution and encourage transit use – four reasons to celebrate this July.

The summer months

Parliament will remain closed until 18th September, 2006. During the summer period, I will be visiting with constituents throughout the riding so that I have an up to date appreciation of the issues that concern you, as I host “In Your Area Days”; watch for a flyer in your mailbox and advertisement in the local newspapers. My office continues to handle individual cases where constituents require assistance with federal government problem resolution. As well, in my capacity as Minister of National Defence, I will be spending this period on the development and implementation of the “Canada First” defence plan to strengthen Canada’s independent capacity to defend our national sovereignty and security.

In addition to the planned visits to your community, I am always available to meet with constituents at my office in the Constituency Office. Just call 613-992-1119 to book an appointment.

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