Changes in government from the Throne

Times Contributor 

 

The Canadian Governor General’s Speech from the Throne had some significant changes to the way government handles Canadian issues.

“We are on the cusp of a moment that is uniquely Canada’s. Just as our founders dared, so too must we. We must seize this moment to secure prosperity, for Canadians now, and the generations to follow,” said Governor General David Johnson.

To meet those goals, the following measures were developed for the coming year:

Budgets, jobs and employment-They will keep budgets balanced and reduce government costs, pay off the deficit by 2015, continue the 25 per cent  debt-to-gross domestic product ratios until 2021, pass a law for balanced government balances. Government operating budgets will be frozen and government hiring numbers cut. Spending changes and asset sales will be done. Holding wages, benefits, reforming disability and sick programs will curb Public service costs. Amendments to the Public Service Labour Relations Act will improve redundant and inefficient systems.

An employment focus will continue job development. Creation of a Canadian Job Grant job training for under-represented populations, a cooperative provincial and territory labour market agreement and credential alignments across provinces, direct youth employment programs to work experience situations in high demand employment areas and develop on-reserve education systems that will increase job opportunities. Training assistance for skilled trades and apprentices will be given. Reforms to the temporary foreign worker program will ensure Canadians have first chances at jobs.

 

Trade- Increased trade negotiations with the European Union, Japan, South Korea and India, with new export assistance will increase business potential. Better trade corridors will improve trade flow with the United States. An interprovincial trade and barrier removal, combined with cooperative securities and capital market plan will increase trade within Canada. An amended Liquors Act allows movement of beer and spirits across provincial borders.

 

Resources- The government reinforcement of resources, ensuring Canadian ownership, but leaving doors open for foreign investment, will secure development. More Canadians will be employed in the resource sector. Environmental programs such as polluter pay, higher safety standards for offshore development, increased liability insurance and creation of a tanker safety program, will reassure Canadians that resource development is accountable. The reintroduction of the Seas and Skies Act will protect our coastal territories. Farmers, fisheries and forestry sector will have support and access to new worldwide markets.

 

Infrastructure and Industry- There will be access to 70 billion dollars of infrastructure grants available. A Canadian military shipbuilding project will provide 15,000 jobs over a 30-year period. The Automotive Innovation fund and the Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative and will invest 1.4 billion in tax relief to manufacturers for equipment and machinery.

 

Science and research- Combined programs promote cooperative and commercial industrial research and development. Updates will be done to the Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy. Science and Technology supported by targeted government investment will encourage knowledge economies to take information from the laboratory into the market. International student participation in the sector will continue.

Last year’s food contamination issues prompted government improvement of food inspection programs. Improved nutrition information will be placed on product labels and legislation with new user friendly labelling will increase safety in pharmaceutical use.

 

Tourism and small business- For every regulation added to tourism and small business laws, the government will take one off the books. The government will provide tax information and tax relief to small businesses.

 

Families- Reduction of cell phone roaming costs, support for unbundled TV channels and enhanced high speed broadband networks in rural areas. Hidden fees on credit cards and lender’s payment policies will have to be disclosed. There will be equalization of prices on goods from the United States. If customers like a paper copy of their bills, they won’t have to pay for them. Banks will expand basic services without charging service fees. Payday lenders will be monitored for over-charging. 

 

Seniors- Those caring for their older family members will see increased tax credits. Seniors will be helped to better access community programs. The government will invest in dementia and related illnesses research. Prevention measures for discrimination by insurance companies and employers on the basis of genetic testing will be implemented.  Injury prevention organizations will be consulted on programs to ensure safety.  Programs to encourage physical fitness in young Canadians will be supported. Costs to adopt children will be modified.