October 17, 2007

Ottawa, Ontario - On Tuesday, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, delivered the Government’s Speech from the Throne, outlining a long-term agenda of clear goals which will deliver real results, focused on making life better for Canadians and their families.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, the Government of Canada is pursuing a mandate based on five core priorities, including:

• A Proud and Sovereign Canada in which the Government rigorously defends Canada’s place in the world including through the realization of our strong Arctic vision and a responsible, effective path forward in Afghanistan.
• A Strong Federation in which the Government will continue to strengthen the federation – and modernize its democratic institutions – through measures including formal limits on federal spending power and long overdue reform of the Senate.
• A Prosperous Future in which the Government will provide effective economic leadership and a prosperous future by aggressively moving forward with broad tax relief that includes a further promised reduction in the GST.
• A Safe and Secure Canada in which the Government will continue to tackle crime and strengthen the security of Canadians by reintroducing important crime legislation with the new Tackling Violent Crime Act, and by putting a strong focus on safe communities and deterring youth and property crime.
• A Healthy Environment for Canadians in which the Government will continue to improve the environment and health of Canadians by delivering realistic and achievable results in areas such as environmental enforcement and product and food safety. Local MP Randy Kamp will be voting in favour of the Throne Speech and is calling on the opposition parties to do the same.
  

“Conservative MPs will be voting for the Throne Speech and against another election,” said Kamp. “It’s unfortunate that the NDP and Bloc Quebecois are determined to try to force an election at a time when Canadians are satisfied with the Conservative government and want us to continue to get things done.”

“The NDP didn’t even listen to the speech before they announced they would oppose it, and they will have to explain to Canadians why they are against getting tough on crime, cutting taxes and cleaning up the environment,” said Kamp. “As a permanent opposition party, the NDP can’t get anything done, but it’s unfortunate that they’re trying to stand in the way of progress on the priorities of Canadian families.”

“Canadians elected a Government to improve life for themselves and their families. And under the strong leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper that Government is building a better Canada,” concluded Kamp.

As of noon on Wednesday, it was unclear whether the Liberals would support or oppose the Throne Speech.