The Speech from the Throne is an important part of our Parliamentary tradition. However, often the ceremonial pomp and grandeur overshadows the substance of the speech so I would like to touch on a number of items that were brought forward and keep you abreast of the key messages delivered.

Over the last four years, our government has been consistent in our message, and legislative and budgetary agenda. The message is simple and concise; a prosperous and safer Canada.  The Throne Speech has addressed this agenda and our budget will reflect your priorities as promised by your government. We are focusing a continued commitment on jobs and growth through a low-tax environment; a highly-skilled and flexible workforce; support for innovation and new technologies; and wider access to markets abroad. Your government knows that investment is the key to wealth creation and in order to stimulate investment we need a reasonable tax regime, a skilled labour market, supportive infrastructure, and fiscally responsible government spending.

Our government is committed to cutting red tape and red ink. Through our operations review, we will endeavour to bring the cost of government down. We will balance the budget a year earlier than forecast and focus on debt repayment as a top priority.

Your government will not forget those that have helped to build this great nation; our senior citizens.  As seniors are financially challenged by todays cost-of-living, your government will increase the Guaranteed Income Supplement to help alleviate the burden.

Our government has a fundamental duty to protect the personal safety of our citizens and defend against threats to our national security. That is why your government will reintroduce our comprehensive law-and-order legislation to combat crime and terrorism.  These measures will protect children from sex offenders and will address the problem of violence against girls and women.  They will eliminate house arrest and pardons for serious crimes and will give law enforcement officials, courts and victims the legal tools they need to fight criminals and terrorists. This legislation will also enforce tougher sentences for those who abuse seniors and help at-risk youth avoid gangs and criminal activity.

Now that the Throne Speech has been read, your government is “getting down to business” and during this time I will make sure to keep you up-to-date on issues as they come forward.

Colin Mayes, MP
Okanagan-Shuswap