Ottawa Journal (March 01 – March 05, 2021)
David Tilson, M.P. (Dufferin-Caledon)
On March 03, 2010, Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, delivered the Speech from the Throne. This Speech outlines the Federal Government’s course for the year ahead and provides Canadians with a sense of what is in store in the upcoming Budget. In her Speech, Her Excellency outlined an agenda which remains firmly focused on the priorities of Canadians – jobs and economic growth.
Our economy is starting to show signs of recovery from the global economic recession, but our Government recognizes that the recovery is still uncertain and many challenges remain. Therefore, it is essential that we move forward to implement year two of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, to ensure that Canada’s recovery is complete and our economy emerges strong and Canadians have the most opportunities available to them.
The Speech from the Throne echoes this aim through measures introduced to protect incomes, create jobs, ease credit markets, and to help workers and communities get back on their feet. In addition, there were many other important themes from the Speech which included:
- Returning to fiscal balance by winding down stimulus spending as economic activity rebounds and by restraining Federal program spending overall, while protecting growth in transfers that directly benefit Canadians, such as pensions, health care, and education.
- Continuing to work on job creation and job protection, recognizing that too many Canadians are still looking for work, the Government is helping young Canadians entering today’s job market for the first time make the transition to work.
- Building the jobs and industries of the future by investing in Canadians’ skills and education, keeping taxes low, opening markets to Canadian goods and services, and creating the conditions for continued success of industries that are the foundation of Canada’s prosperity.
The Speech from the Throne also sets out the Government’s broader agenda, one that reflects Canadians’ values and focuses on what matters most to Canadians:
- Making Canada the best place for families by strengthening the Universal Child Care Benefit, protecting consumers, ensuring that the law protects everyone while those who commit crimes are held to account.
- Standing up for those who helped build Canada by strengthening Canada’s retirement income system and supporting legislation to establish Seniors Day, continuing to stand up for Canada’s military and its veterans, and continuing to recognize the contributions of Canada’s Aboriginal people.
- Strengthening a united Canada in a changing world by pursuing democratic reforms, further strengthening Canada’s Francophone identity, improving the immigration and refugee systems, helping the North realize its vast potential, and protecting and preserving our natural environment.
