Speaking out On Your Behalf

January 02, 2008

Please accept my sincere gratitude for your support throughout 2007. As we start the new year, I would like to give you an update on our progress in Ottawa over the past year, as well as look forward to what lies ahead in 2008.

The past year has been productive for our Conservative government. Throughout 2007, our government has remained fixed on our fundamental values: to build a stronger, safer, healthier and more prosperous country.

Perhaps the biggest change I have noticed in Ottawa is the change in attitude. Our economy is strong, the government is clean, and the country is united. Simply put, our government is getting the job done.

More specifically, we have focused on tax relief. Our government has put through tax reductions that help seniors, small businesses and middle class families. Moreover, we have followed through with our promise to lower the GST to 5% so everyday Canadians feel tax relief at the cash register. By continuing to lower taxes, we are making Canada’s business climate the most competitive in the developed world.

Our government also places a priority on our citizens’ safety.

This fall we introduced new anti-crime legislation that respects victims and law-abiding citizens. These new laws will help us get tough on dangerous repeat offenders, take property crime seriously, and crack down on drug-related offences. Personally, I am proud to have worked on bringing affordable, accessible high-speed internet to all the residents of Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke. I am also pleased that through our government’s commitment to supporting rural and small municipalities, a number of federally supported infrastructure projects became a reality. In the next year, I plan to spend as much time as I can visiting families in our Riding to share our vision for a stronger, better Canada. Please let me assure you that, regardless of any election, I will be working for you, ensuring that our families are protected and that Canada is a leader on the world stage.

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

Strong Leadership, Lower Taxes

This week every single Canadian had their taxes cut. January 1st marked the first day that the Conservative Government’s second cut to the GST took effect.

This tax cut will save families money on every household purchase. It leaves more money in the pockets of Canadians, it puts the dream of owning a home or car within the reach of more families, and it invigorates our economy from coast to coast. The GST cut is very good news, indeed.

In 2008 we will all be paying less tax and holding on to more of our own money thanks to the Conservative Government’s leadership in lowering taxes for all Canadians. These tax reductions, along with cutting the GST from 7% to 6% to 5%, will increase the amount of money Canadians can earn before they start paying federal tax, introducing a new $2,000 Child Tax Credit; and implementing targeted tax credits for kids’ sports, text books, and transit passes.

For Renfrew County families, this means more money to save for, or spend on, their own priorities. Thanks to lower taxes, Canada is enjoying one of the longest periods of economic growth in its history. Unemployment is at its lowest level in nearly two generations. Inflation and interest rates remain low. Canada’s national debt is coming down.

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.