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OSHAWA,
25 June 2006
– Following the wrap-up of the spring session of Parliament last
week, Oshawa MP Colin Carrie reflected on the new Government’s
accomplishments over the past few months.
"I am pleased to report that
great we've been working hard to affect progress on our Government's
key priorities and the issues that matter most to Oshawa's
constituents," said Carrie.
In just under five months in office, Canada's new Conservative
Government has:
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Passed through the House of Commons the Federal
Accountability Act – the most sweeping anti-corruption
legislation in Canada’s history;
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Cut the GST by 1% (starting 1 July 2006) worth $5 billion
a year, slicing thousands off the cost of a new home;
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Kept the personal tax rate low for modest-income earners
while boosting the personal exemption to $10,000 within four
years and returned $650 per year to middle-income families
($45,000 to $60,000);
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Created the $1,200-per-year Universal Child Care Benefit;
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Introduced an employment tax credit which permits workers deduct
up to $500 in job-related expenses this year and $1,000
in the future;
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Established the promised tax credit for public transit riders;
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Doubled the pension tax credit for Seniors;
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Provided families and children with a $500 tax credit to
offset sports registration fees;
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Provided
money
to apprentices for the purchase of tools while increasing tax
credits for employers to create jobs in the trades.
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Stopped the taxation of scholarship and bursary monies in
the hands of
post-secondary students;
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Introduced legislation to crack down on street-racing and gun
and gang crime;
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Introduced the Universal Child Care Program, which will
provide direct financial assistance to all Canadian families, as
well as create real child care spaces;
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Enhanced Canada’s leadership role on the international stage by
extending the mission in Afghanistan and announcing measures to
properly equip, train and support our soldiers;
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Ushered in a new era of open federalism, as
evidenced by the recent agreement between the Government and
Quebec that established a formal role for the province at
UNESCO; and,
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Negotiated a settlement in the long-running softwood lumber
dispute with the United States.
“In just a matter of months,
we have worked hard to deliver on our election promises and
demonstrate that a promise made is a promise kept," said Carrie.
"While we've accomplished
much, I know that Oshawa’s constituents want to see increased focus
on key local issues including strengthening the competitiveness of
our auto industry and a resolution to the ongoing Oshawa harbour
issue."
“We have moved forward a very activist agenda in this first session
of Parliament. I want to assure all constituents that I will
continue to stand up for Oshawa's residents over the coming weeks
and months," concluded Carrie.
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