Niagara Falls Electoral District Association’s “Breakfast with Hon. Rob Nicholson, M.P.”

June 17, 2006

Fort Erie, Ontario
Check Against Delivery

Introduction

Ladies and gentlemen,

What a privilege to be back in Fort Erie!

The support from the people of this great town is truly remarkable – you have greatly contributed to the formation of the new federal government of Canada.

The first session of Parliament may be winding down before adjourning for summer, but the work has just begun.

Canada’s New Government is creating change for the benefit of you and for Canadians across this country.

And let me tell you, we’ve been really busy cleaning up the inaction and mismanagement created by the previous federal government.

Our Five Priorities

Our Party ran on five key priorities. I’m happy to tell you we are delivering on those priorities. We are:

o Lowering taxes;

o Ensuring safer streets and communities across Canada by tackling crime;

o Helping guarantee Canadians get the health care they have paid for;

o Providing child care choice and support under the Universal Child Care Plan;

o And bringing accountability, integrity, and responsibility back to government.

Accountability

As you are aware, the Federal Accountability Act is the first step in delivering what we promised we would do.

This is the first piece of legislation our Government brought forth, and it truly sets a precedent in cleaning up the federal government on behalf of the people of Canada.

Specifically, the Accountability Act ensures that public interest will be given top-priority when governmental business and procedures are carried out.

You can be reassured that your tax dollars will be spent effectively – and not nuzzled away in the pockets of some backdoor lobbyist.

Budget 2006

On May 2, the Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, presented Canadians with a balanced federal budget.

The budget significantly cuts taxes and pays down debt, while also focusing on federal spending to key priority areas, including:

o $1.4 billion more this year for border security, policing and public safety.

o $1.5 billion more this year for agriculture.

o $1.1 billion over two years to rebuild the Armed Forces.

o $3.7 billion over two years for the new $1,200 Universal Child Care Benefit.

New Conservative Initiatives

I’m happy to report on new initiatives our Government has announced, directly benefiting the health, safety and well-being of all Canadians.

Our Government made a promise to tackle crime, and we’re delivering on that promise.

o This past week, we introduced legislation that would make street racing a criminal offence under Canada’s Criminal Code.

This announcement marks the latest step in the government’s effort to crack down on crime.

Earlier this month, Justice Minister Vic Toews introduced legislation to put an end to condition sentences for serious offences and establish mandatory minimum sentences for gun crimes.

Our Prime Minister will continue moving forward on the government’s agenda of making Canadian communities safer.

Conclusion

Ladies and Gentlemen, the days of Liberal entitlement and corruption are a thing of the past. Canada’s New Government is committed to delivering accountability and integrity to the Canadian people.

This is a commitment that we made to all Canadians during the election, a trust that has been proven during our first session of Parliament as Canada’s New Government.

The Conservative Party has established the Federal Accountability Act and has delivered a balanced budget, and that’s only the beginning.

We will continue to strengthen this great country, and to follow through on our commitment to you and all Canadians – “promises made, promises kept.”

Thank you.