Moving Forward in the New Year

January 02, 2009

The start of 2009 will see our Government bring forward a stimulus package for the Canadian economy. While this package will certainly assist in stimulating our economy, we will still experience a difficult period in 2009 as our international partners work toward stimulating their own economies, which ultimately has an affect on Canada’s economy.

Our Government, however, prepared for this downturn early and we are acting. We are developing smart solutions through regional roundtables, including discussions with provincial and territorial ministers of finance and through the establishment of an Economic Advisory Council. The Economic Advisory Council is composed of 11 members from across Canada who will meet with the federal Minister of Finance in advance of the January 27 budget. The group will also continue to provide advice periodically on economic matters after the budget. What’s more, Prime Minister Harper will be meeting with the first ministers in mid- January in Ottawa.

The Honourable John Baird, Minister of Infrastructure, has conducted infrastructure summits across Canada discussing infrastructure issues and the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of HRSDC, has conducted meetings across Canada listening to suggestions about employment insurance and skills training. All of this is part of our consultation so that together we can formulate the best steps for the budget at the end of this month. I attended the summit in Halifax and was reassured by the positive input from my provincial colleagues in Atlantic Canada.

We are going to accelerate infrastructure investments, improving opportunities for workers, strengthening financial markets and improving competitiveness. This year's federal infrastructure spending will be double what it was last year.

As your Member of Parliament, I understand the need and the benefits that infrastructure projects can bring to this riding. Over the coming year, I will continue to work hard to address the infrastructure needs of South Shore – St. Margaret’s and feel very confident that our infrastructure needs will be dealt with in a positive way with our Government.

I will also continue to work with my provincial and federal colleagues to address the needs of our lobster fishers. I recognize that this is a very troubling time for the Industry and I will continue to act as your voice by presenting ideas and suggestions to the Minister that will assist in moving the Industry forward.

I certainly appreciate all of the ideas and suggestions that you all have sent me over the last number of weeks, please be assured that they have been sent to the appropriate departments. I encourage your feedback and thank you for your continued support.

All the best for a happy and healthy 2009!