2010: A Year in Review
December 13, 2021
Ottawa Journal (December 13 – December 17, 2021)David Tilson, M.P. (Dufferin-Caledon)
As 2010 comes to a close and we begin the New Year, Canadians find time to reflect on past accomplishments and focus on achieving their next set of goals. Over the past year, Canada has accomplished much, but Canadians still have concerns: jobs for those in need, help for those struggling to make ends meet, safer streets and communities, and a lasting economic recovery.
Over the past year, our Government has delivered real action for Canadians. We implemented Year 2 of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, focusing on jobs and growth. Through more than 23,000 new projects across the country, we helped create jobs for those who need them most. In fact, we’ve helped create nearly 430,000 jobs since July 2009, and we’ve helped save 225,000 jobs through expanded work-sharing agreements.
Beyond our borders, the Canadian way is winning praise. The IMF has predicted that Canada will lead the G-7 both this year and next. The World Economic Forum ranked Canada’s banks as ‘Soundest in the World’ for the third year in a row. Furthermore, the well respected magazine, The Economist, called our country an “economic star.” Despite this praise, Canadians and our Government know much more needs to be done. Canada is not immune to economic uncertainty beyond our borders and many Canadians are still looking for work. This is why, as we work toward a balanced budget, our top priority remains jobs and the economy.
Our recent Economic Fiscal Update demonstrates we are right on track. Our federal deficit is lower this year than previously forecasted. We are anticipating returning to a balanced budget by 2015 – before any of our G-7 partners. We’ve also launched consultations with Canadians to seek their views on the next phase of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
Our Government has also delivered results on crime and justice issues. Over the past year, we took action to fix loopholes in our criminal justice system. We’ve cracked down on criminals who seek to exploit our children. We’re helping keep dangerous and repeat young offenders off our streets by strengthening the youth justice system. We’ve also tackled gang violence, auto theft, and white-collar crime.
This past fall, we continued our tough-on-crime commitment with action for our most vulnerable. We’re helping protect our children from adult sexual predators and working to provide law enforcement and national security agencies with the up-to-date tools needed to fight crime. We’re also establishing and upgrading Child Advocacy Centres across Canada which are instrumental in helping reduce trauma for young victims.
Our Government is also working to end the abuse of Canada’s generous immigration system. Last summer, we passed our landmark refugee reform, which will help lead to faster protection for victims of torture and persecution, and faster removal of failed asylum claimants.
This fall, our Government took action to stop human smugglers from helping illegal migrants jump the queue and abuse our generosity. Canadians are proud of our long standing tradition of helping those who genuinely need refuge. However, we won't tolerate abuse from criminal human smuggling networks.
We also took important steps to help ensure that Veterans get the support they need and deserve. Our ‘Legacy of Care’ will improve the quality of life for seriously injured men and women in uniform. We’re working to improve financial support for injured Veterans by proposing changes to the New Veterans Charter. We’ve also already improved the care of Veterans suffering from ALS.
Over the past year, our Government achieved real accomplishments that help Canadians. As we begin 2011, our Government will continue to work for what matters most. We will continue to help create jobs for Canadians in need. We will continue our plan to eliminate the deficit by 2015 and we will continue to help make our streets and communities safe places for our children and grandchildren to grow up.