OTTAWA — Canada is making its mark on the world stage for top performance in sport, war and response to global catastrophe and pandemic threat, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said Thursday.
In an official reply to last week's speech from the throne, Harper praised the "extraordinary level of excellence" of Canadian athletes in the 2010 Winter Games, and said stellar achievements in other fields are getting Canada noticed around the globe.
"Getting things done is the trademark our country is starting to be known for," Harper said in a speech read in the House of Commons and streamed live on YouTube. "Just as we're getting things done in sports, we're getting things done in Afghanistan. In Kandahar, Canada's best and bravest have prevented the Taliban from over-running that critical province and are standing up for stability, development and justice in a country that has seldom known any of those things. This is a tremendous testament, one that has come at great cost."
Harper also boasted that Canada's response to the H1N1 threat was quick and effective, with the largest mass immunization campaign in Canadian history.
"Thousands of lives have been saved," he said. "Happily, we'll never know exactly how many. But choking off an epidemic is no small thing, and the fact that we were able to do that was a triumph of the dedication and commitment of the medical professionals involved."
Harper also highlighted Canada's humanitarian efforts in Haiti and Canada's relatively strong economic performance in a period of global recession as cause for Canadians to be proud. He also defended the Conservative government's decision to plunge the country into deep deficit with stimulus spending to mitigate the impacts of the recession.
"Excessive economic intervention is not a Conservative inclination. But blind adherence to ideology in a crisis is no more advisable than unprincipled expediency in the pursuit of short-term advantage," he said. "What is best for the country, now and in the future, must always be our guide."
But he insisted the economy cannot be "taxed into prosperity" and said the deficit will instead be reduced through measured spending restraint.
Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff said the throne speech is defined by gimmicks and missed opportunities. But said it is not in the nation's best interests to hold an election.
"This throne speech wasn't just disappointing — it was unnecessary," he said. "It was damage control after the prime minister shut down Parliament."
NDP Leader Jack Layton said the speech offers "precious little hope" for the victims of recession but gives "free-flowing giveaways" for big banks and oil companies.
Bloc Leader Gilles Duceppe said the speech ignores his province and proves "the inability of Canada to meet the aspirations of Quebec."
"The government indicated clearly in the speech from the throne that it's not just status quo — it's a step backward for Quebec," he said.
kathleen.harris@sunmedia.ca
