Ottawa Journal
Our government’s accomplishments from fall 2006
David Tilson MP Dufferin- Caledon

In January 2006, Canadians chose change. Since that time, our new government has had a focused agenda with clear priorities and a mandate to get things done for Canadians.

During the course of the spring and summer months, Canada’s new government delivered on its promises to Canadians and continued this path into the fall. I would like to use this week’s journal to highlight a few of the many accomplishments of our government this past fall.

Tuesday, Dec. 12, the government delivered on its promise to Canadians by delivering on its top priority – passing the Federal Accountability Act (FAA) – as Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, granted Royal Assent to the act in the Senate. The act, which makes substantive changes to 45 statutes and amends over 100 others, delivers on the government’s promise to put in place a five-year lobbying ban, to eliminate corporate and union donations, and to protect whistleblowers, among other reforms. This was a significant piece of legislation which will restore the public’s trust in its elected officials and institutions.

Canada’s government introduced a bill in the House of Commons to establish a national process for consulting Canadians on their preferences for Senate appointments. The bill will see voters choose their preferred Senate candidates to represent their provinces or territories.

The government tackled crime this past fall by holding consultations with the provinces and territories, stakeholders and the Canadian Firearms Advisory Committee on making gun control more effective in Canada. This fall Prime Minister Harper announced amendments to the Criminal Code to provide “a reverse onus” in bail hearings for offences involving firearms. In addition, the government announced $10 million for a

National Crime Prevention Centre to support community based crime prevention and Minister Toews introduced legislative reforms to strengthen the laws against alcohol- and drug-impaired drivers.

Through the Expenditure Review, the government reviewed government programs to ensure that tax dollars are invested in programs that deliver results, provide value for money, and meet Canadians’ priorities. This will have long-term positive impacts such as reducing the tax burden for future generations and the cost of financing debt.

Health was another important issue for our new government this past fall. On World AIDS Day, Minister Verner announced that the government would provide an additional $120 million to continue the fight against HIV/AIDS. The government introduced the new Chemicals Management Plan – a $300 million initiative that takes immediate action to regulate chemicals that are harmful to human health or the environment. In addition, Minister Clement

announced the development of pilot projects to establish and test Patient Wait Times Guarantees for specific federal health services on reserve.

It has been almost one year since Canadians chose change and Canada’s new

government has worked hard to deliver on its promises to Canadians. There is still a significant amount of work to do, but our government looks forward to continuing its work in the new year and I look forward to continuing to serve you!