Harper Government Focused on Creating Jobs for Hardworking Canadian Families

Today the Honourable Peter Van Loan, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, was joined by the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, to outline the Harper Government’s priorities for the fall sitting of the House of Commons which began today.

“The Harper Government is focused on creating jobs, growing the economy and securing long-term prosperity for hardworking Canadian families,” said Minister Van Loan. “The cornerstone of our work in the House of Commons will be the implementation of important legislative items from Economic Action Plan 2012.”

“Canadians can expect our Government to continue our focus on keeping taxes low and supporting high-quality jobs for Canadian families,” added Minister Blaney.

“As part of our continuing support for Canadian families, we will also be moving forward with legislative changes to EI special benefits to ensure the EI program is there for families in times of need.”

Legislation to implement the Canada-Panama Free Trade Agreement is expected to be passed this fall. This agreement was signed in 2010 and represents one part of Canada’s commitment to creating jobs in Canada by increasing our exports. In fewer than six years, the Harper Government has concluded new free trade agreements with nine countries and has begun deepening trade and investment ties with the largest, most dynamic and fastest-growing markets in the world, including the European Union, India and Japan.

In addition to important economic items, the Government will move forward on legislation to protect our communities and stand up for the rights of victims. This will include legislation that will:

• remove foreign criminals who commit violent crimes in Canada;
• double the victims surcharge and make it mandatory;
• improve accountability within the RCMP; and
• combat terrorism.

“We will continue to lead the House of Commons in a productive, orderly and hard-working fashion,” concluded Minister Van Loan.