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OTTAWA — The Conservative government will take a collaborative, five-pronged approach to keep Canada’s economy afloat through tough global times.
In a Speech from the Throne delivered by Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean in the Senate chamber today, the government signalled it is prepared to run a deficit and unveiled plans to partner with opposition parties and provincial partners to secure jobs, expand trade and cut bureaucratic red tape. In an agenda blueprint focused sharply on the economy, the government also flagged its intentions to ban bulk water exports and cut greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2020; to develop clean energy supplies by tapping in to nuclear projects and resources in the North; to toughen sentences for serious crimes and to strengthen consumer safety and democratic institutions.
Amid the pomp and ceremony that is traditional with the official opening of Parliament, the throne speech also pledged to continue rebuilding the Canadian Forces and to transform the Afghanistan mission from a military focus to more reconstruction and development.
But Jean’s speech made clear the government’s top priority is to mitigate the impact of the global economic crisis, pledging to help “lead the world” in repairing the international financial system. Rejecting the notion of ongoing, unsustainable deficits that are “unacceptable” to Canadians, the speech hinted a deficit will likely in Canada’s future.
“In a historic global downturn, it would be misguided to commit to a balanced budget in the short term at any cost, because that cost would ultimately be borne by Canadian families,” the speech noted.
But despite the gloomy global picture, the government predicted Canada will fare better than most.
“In the face of this uncertainty, just as when faced with difficulties before, Canadians will prevail,” Jean said.
Other highlights of the throne speech:
- improve the Universal Child Care Benefit and take measures to increase access to maternity and parental benefits under Employment Insurance
- provide help for families carrying for loved ones with disabilities
- impose tougher penalties for young criminals, organized crime and gang violence
- set an objective that 90% of Canada's electricity needs be provided by non-emitting sources such as hydro, nuclear, clean coal or wind power by 2020.
- table a "national security statement" to outline plans to balance new threats to national security with oversight, accountability and protection of civil liberties
- establish a new, non-partisan democracy promotion agency to support the peaceful transition to democracy in repressive countries and help emerging democracies build strong institutions
- introduce legislation to improve representation in the House of Commons for Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia