On Parliament Hill

Remembering 2014

It has been over a year since I became the Member of Parliament for Provencher and I am honoured to represent the wonderful communities of Manitoba’s Southeast.

2014 has been an eventful and fruitful year. I was happy to stand with a Prime Minister Harper as our Conservative Government introduced a number of important measures. Some of which include:

Lower Taxes:

• The Family Tax Cut, a federal tax credit that will allow a higher-income spouse to transfer up to $50,000 of taxable income to a spouse in a lower tax bracket, resulting in significant tax savings for families.
• An increase in the Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB) for children under the age of six.
• An expansion of the UCCB to children six through seventeen.
• The doubling of the Children’s Fitness Tax Credit to $1,000, effective for the 2014 tax year.
• An increase in the Child Care Expense Deduction dollar limits by $1,000.

Together, these measures make it easier for families to make ends meet and to choose the best child care option for their kids.

Infrastructure:

The New Building Canada Plan will see the Government of Canada invest over $53B in infrastructure across the country over the next 10 years (2014-2024).

In November I was pleased to announce infrastructure upgrades in six communities and expect to be able to announce more good news across Provencher this coming spring. In addition, we will also see a new border crossing facility built in Sprague.

Middle Class:

Canada’s middle class for the first time surpassed the middle class in the US. Statistics Canada found that the net worth of Canadian families was up 44.5% from 2005 and almost 80% more than 1999. In fact, the largest increase in net worth between 2005 and 2012 occurred for families in the middle income bracket. This means that, as a result of our Government’s low tax plan, more money is where it belongs – in the pockets of Canadians and their families.

First Nations Accountability:

First Nations Financial Accountability Act which requires First Nation governments in Canada to publish audited annual financial statements, and report on the salaries and expenses of their chiefs and councillors. This is basic financial information that First Nations are entitled to know about their own government.

A Time to Reflect:

Although we have had a good year, we have faced some challenges, giving us reason to stop and reflect.

In October we witnessed two attacks on our armed forces with the tragic loss of two soldiers in the process, however, we as Canadians remain strong and united.

Earlier during the summer, while in Israel I experienced first-hand a rocket attack by Hamas against Israel. Although I feared for the well-being of Israelis and Palestinians on both sides of the border, I was also reminded of how fortunate we are in Canada. Although we have our challenges, we are also blessed to live in a peaceful country.

2015 – Looking Forward:

As we end 2014 and begin 2015, I am optimistic that we as a country will continue to be recognized for our peace, our prosperity and for our ability to overcome challenges.

I wish you and your family a happy New Year and all the best in 2015.