At work in Ottawa for Halton people

December 08, 2008

I’m working for Halton now, and it feels good. This is where I had hoped to be, especially during a time of economic uncertainty. The global economic problems did not originate in Canada, but we are affected by them, and I’m glad Canada has a strong, responsible team in Ottawa to guide us through the slowdown.

I want to thank the voters of Halton for choosing me to be our communities’ voice in the federal government. I was elected to represent the interests of our people and families, and our businesses, large and small, and that will always be my first priority.

The government has announced major investments in infrastructure and more are to come. I want to make sure Halton, the Greater Toronto Area and Ontario receive their fair share of investments, to address long-standing needs.

Soon after the election, I was also appointed to Cabinet, as Minister of Natural Resources. This is also a major responsibility, vitally important to our economy and employment across Canada. It’s a delicate balancing job that encompasses development and stewardship of our resources, but also an environmental focus.

My portfolio includes programs to promote energy efficiency, a key concern for industries and households. My husband, Dave, knows I’ve taken this role to heart, as I’m constantly following our two young sons around, turning off lights and electronics and turning the thermostat down. Everyone will be wearing sweaters in our home, until spring.

The most important challenge facing Canada currently is limiting the impact of the worldwide economic downturn. In the Speech from the Throne, outlining the government’s agenda for the coming session of Parliament, this issue was front and centre.

Canada has a plan to ensure we navigate the current uncertainty and emerge from it stronger than our major trading partners. Our priorities will be to protect Canadians’ savings and investments; protect jobs and support people in transition; and invest prudently in key sectors and infrastructure projects that benefit all of us.

There will be assistance to the auto industry, which is important to many in Halton. There will be new support for independent businesses, through an increase to the small business tax threshold and indexing of the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption. Funding will be restored to Canada’s regional economic development agencies, which will benefit parts of southern Ontario where high unemployment is a concern.

The federal government itself is tightening its belt. It has announced new restraints on MPs’ and public servants’ salaries and government travel budgets. A major review of government spending will find significant cuts to a wide range of programs that do not directly support job creation or contribute to a sound and stable economy.

Canada’s government is doing the right things at the right time. Prudent, thoughtful management will allow us to provide support to Canadians who need it, while at the same time keeping the country’s fiscal situation strong and avoiding long-term structural deficits. I’m proud to be a part of that, on behalf of Halton.

Here at home, I’m finding more people recognizing me and approaching me in the community and at the kids’ play places. I’m listening to people’s concerns and telling them what I’m doing in Ottawa to address them. I really appreciate these one-on-one chats. They’re a constant reminder of the people I work for, and of my responsibilities as Halton’s voice in Ottawa.