On Parliament Hill

Economy

We as Canadians are fortunate to live in a country such as ours. When compared to many places around the world, we are blessed with prosperity, natural resources and security. Although we have enjoyed these privileges as Canadians, we know that we are not immune to the threats that exist beyond our borders.

The global economy remains fragile and is being affected by the global oil prices, the European debt crisis, and China’s economic slowdown. In light of this reality, our Government remains steadfast in our economic plans where we are making investments in infrastructure, lowering taxes, balancing the budget, and supporting growth in the manufacturing sector. Additionally our low-tax plan is saving the average Canadian approximately $6500 per year. In fact, on July 20th all Canadian families with children will be receiving their lump sum Universal Child Care Benefit payment.

With a steady fiscal policy, we will not spiral ourselves into deficit. As we see in Greece, uncontrolled government spending leads to disastrous outcomes.

Unfortunately opposition parties do not share our views on the economy as they continue to promote some of the very policies that lead Greece to its financial troubles. Additionally, in 2012, the opposition insisted that our Government join the list of countries who used taxpayer’s money to help bail out Greece.

I am thankful that Canada did not participate as many of those countries are still out billions of dollars. As a Member of Parliament I believe that taxpayers’ money must be respected.

National Security

Although the economy remains our top priority, we as a government remain vigilant in keeping Canadians safe.

On Friday July 10th, the RCMP Integrated National Security Enforcement Team (INSET) in British Columbia arrested Othman Ayed Hamdan, 33 years old, of Fort St. John, B.C.  Mr. Hamdan was charged with 6 counts of terrorism-related offences for his support of ISIS. He is currently being held in custody and is due to appear in court shortly. The offences include: counselling to commit murder for the benefit of a terrorist group; counselling to assault causing bodily harm for the benefit of a terrorist group; and counselling to commit aggravated assault, for the benefit of a terrorist group.

I commend the RCMP for their work in making this arrest. This is a further reminder of the serious threat that jihadi terrorists pose to Canada. We cannot ignore this threat from terror groups such as ISIS and I commend security agencies such as the RCMP for taking seriously the safety of Canadians.