Canada’s Economic Action Plan is working. As reported by Statistics Canada, April saw a record 108,700 jobs created in Canada. The job gain in Canada was the largest in percentage terms since August 2002, and the biggest in absolute terms. It also marked the fourth straight month that the Canadian economy added to its payrolls.

These positive numbers are in direct contrast to the Opposition demand to raise business taxes, including a plan to impose a “carbon” tax and raise the GST by 2%, which would cost our economy 162,000 jobs. The economic action plan is working. April's record job numbers prove it. More Canadians are working thanks to the strong economic leadership being proved by Prime Minister Stephen Harper.


High-Speed Internet

Residents in Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke are aware of efforts by their federal MP on getting high-speed internet to the unserved and underserved areas of this Riding. As announced in Budget 2009’s Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada committed $225 million over three years to extend broadband access across Canada. For the individuals, families and businesses who will now have access to broadband internet thanks to this financial commitment, it will mean access to important economic and social benefits, including telehealth, business opportunities, and distance education. Locally, our challenge is geography and a widely dispersed population. There is still work to do in rural and remote areas, however, and I remain committed to narrowing the broadband gap.


Accountable in Government

As part of our efforts to strengthen accountability in government, our government recently introduced changes to close a financial loop hole regarding leadership candidates for political parties. No longer will leadership candidates be able accept huge loans from big corporate and union lobbies. Financial limits will be placed on contributions. Contributions were often disguised as loans, with no expectation of repayment by the wealthy contributor or special interest group.  Currently there are six liberal leadership contenders, including former Liberal leader Stephane Dion and Toronto MP Ken Dryden, who have outstanding debts under the old rules. These changes are intended to restore confidence after years of abuse by the old regime.


Anti-Crime Measures

White-collar crime, like fraud has a devastating impact on individuals and communities.  I receive calls on a regular basis from constituents who have paid for a service and not receive what was promised. Our government has listened to the concerns of victims of fraud. We are taking action to help them seek restitution and to ensure their voices are heard in sentencing those who have harmed them so profoundly.


Proposed legislation would require judges to consider demanding offenders make restitution to their victims in all fraud cases. It would permit the court to prohibit the offender from taking employment or doing volunteer work involving authority over other people’s money. The court would also be permitted to receive and consider a Community Impact Statement that would describe the losses suffered as a result of a fraud perpetrated against a particular community, such as a neighbourhood, a seniors’ centre or a club.

As your Federal Member of Parliament, I am pleased to represent you on a variety of issues. Whether that issue is eliminating the long gun registry, promoting agriculture, international trade, AECL, the military or jobs in the working forest, I am here to serve you!

As always, if you have any concerns of a federal nature, or just want to share your views with me, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

Office contact Information: Constituency Office of Cheryl Gallant, MP, 84 Isabella St., Pembroke On. K8A 5S5 or call 732-4404. If you are long distance you may call the office toll-free at 1-866-295-7165. There is no postage required when you write your Federal Member of Parliament.