Investments, actions support Canadians

As part of global community, Canada must address climate change, reach Paris Agreement targets

As a new year begins, it’s customary to reflect on accomplishments and look to the future. Early in its mandate, the Trudeau government decided to invest in people, businesses and communities. These investments are bearing fruit. Canada’s economic growth is strong, the unemployment rate is the lowest in 40 years, and solid fiscal fundamentals make needed investments possible. Certainly, the Canada Child Benefit is one of this government’s greatest accomplishments. Because of it, 90 per cent of Canadian families now receive more support to help with the costs of raising their children, and 500,000 people - 60 per cent of them children - have escaped poverty. In the riding of Malpeque alone, it provides families with approximately $1.9 million - tax-free - each month. Canadians are also benefitting from improved home care and mental health care, and the eligibility age for the CPP retirement pension has returned to 65, with CPP enhancements being phased in. For our veterans, Veterans Affairs Canada’s district offices have reopened, and with more staff.

This government is also supporting businesses, which are vital to the Island.

The recent economic statement announced that businesses will be able to write off a larger share of their costs in the year an investment is made - in some cases, 100 per cent. Among the G-7, Canada will have the lowest overall tax rate on new business investment. Businesses, and their employees, are also gaining from enhanced funding for regional development agencies, including ACOA.

In Atlantic Canada, the fisheries sector is critical.

This government has increased funding for small craft harbours, created an Atlantic Fisheries Fund to help expand markets and improve infrastructure, and reopened the Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre St. John’s. The tourism sector, very important for the Island, has received much-needed support. The government has enhanced Destination Canada, emphasized - in foreign lands - the country’s rural attractions, and introduced Canada’s New Tourism Vision, which, in part, led to the sector’s best year ever. And innovation, which will define the future, is a government priority.

Through largest-ever investments in science, 21,000 researchers are receiving support, and research at agricultural research centres is expanding. To establish Canada’s global leadership in innovation, five superclusters are being prioritized. Island communities are also improving. Almost daily, Canadians can see infrastructure investments, with better roads, bridges, and water and sewage systems, for instance. And recently, with the provinces, a National Housing Strategy was implemented.

Finally, as part of the global community, Canada must address climate change. Through policy changes and a Pan Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, this government has a plan to meet our Paris Agreement targets.

As well, an historic $1.5 billion investment will protect our coasts and waterways with the Ocean Protection Plan and a new Nature Fund. Looking to 2019 and beyond, Islanders should know that the Trudeau government will make investments and take actions to support them, their businesses, and communities. Much has been accomplished, but more needs to be done.