Strong Canada. Safe Communities.

December 01, 2007

For seniors worried about break and enters or other property crimes, or for parents worried about protecting their children from sexual predators, any delay in new anti-crime laws is unacceptable.

Yet the Opposition led by Stephane Dion has felt entitled to play politics with safer-streets laws for months, always doing just enough to delay or block passage of these badly needed new laws.

As a result, vulnerable Canadians have had to wait as opposition procedural tricks tied up our Government’s new laws to get tough on impaired driving, keep repeat offenders behind bars, introduce tough new penalties for gun crimes, and raise the age of sexual consent for our children.

This is unacceptable. That is why I support the decision of our Prime Minister Stephen Harper when we made Bill C-2, the Tackling Violent Crime Act, a matter of confidence in the House of Commons. If the Stéphane Dion opposition still want to play games with these new protections, they will now have to explain themselves to the voters of Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke in a general election.

One of Stéphane Dion’s lieutenants has let it slip that the Liberals have secret plans to soften Canada’s crime laws. Speaking to the House Legislative Committee on Bill C-2, Dion MP Larry Bagnell hinted that the Dion Liberals secretly want to roll back several of the Bill’s key protections, even as they currently let these same protections become law.

Dion should be clear with Canadians. Just what parts of the Tackling Violent Crime Act does he want to amend? What new protections is he prepared to strip away?

The tough new penalties for offenders who commit crimes with a gun?

Protecting our children from sexual exploitation by raising the age of consent?

Cracking down on those who drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol?

Tougher sentences for Canada’s most dangerous, repeat offenders?

A real leader stands, votes, and clearly speaks out on the issues they believe in. Prime Minister Harper will always be a clear and accountable champion for protecting law-abiding citizens from crime.

I was pleased to participate in an infrastructure announcement held recently in Admaston/Bromley Township. The Government of Canada committed more than $60,000 to open a diversion facility at the Osceola waste disposal site. Through projects such as this, the federal government is investing in the strength of our people and our communities.

Specifically in the Renfrew, Nipissing and Pembroke area, the federal government has committed more than $12.8 million under COMRIF, the Federal Provincial Infrastructure program.

In Budget 2007, our Government outlined its long-term infrastructure plan called Building Canada. This unprecedented $33 billion Building Canada Plan will restore public confidence and trust, and produce results in areas that matter to taxpayers, such as improved water and wastewater systems, safer roads and highways, public transit and green energy. It will provide targeted support for smaller-scale municipal projects, such as this, as well as large strategic projects. Municipalities continue to receive funding for local priorities through the Gas Tax Fund and a full GST rebate - providing long-term, predictable support they can count on.

These investments are concrete examples of our commitment to build and modernize Canada’s infrastructure in communities like Admaston/Bromley. Canada’s future depends on the success of its communities, both large and small.

As we work to support communities, we must also turn our attention to our government’s overall priorities. In this session of parliament, our government will continue to keep a clear focus on its priorities, which include:

• Strengthening Canada’s sovereignty and place in the world;
• Strengthening the federation and our democratic institutions;
• Providing effective economic leadership for a prosperous future;
• Tackling crime and strengthening the security of Canadians; and
• Improving the environment and health of Canadians.
  

Review of AECL

While I am pleased to confirm that the Federal government has launched a formal review of AECL, no decisions have been made regarding the future of AECL. As your local MP, I welcome any constituent input regarding what you feel should be AECL’s future.