Ringing in the New Year

Times Reporter 

 

Another year has passed and we have asked MP Kevin Sorenson to share with us highlights from 2013, and his hopes and plans for 2014. 

 

Hon. Kevin Sorenson, MP (Crowfoot) 

What are some of the highlights you remember from 2013?

The 2013 highlight for me was accepting the appointment by the Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada, to serve in our Conservative Government’s Cabinet as Minister of State (Finance).  I am pleased that in addition to continuing to work diligently as your Member of Parliament on behalf of all my constituents, I now also have the privilege of fulfilling my duties and responsibilities in service to our nation as a Cabinet Minister. It is a real honour to be working very closely with Finance Minister Jim Flaherty and our Prime Minister.

Our Conservative government’s highlight was the signing of an historic trade agreement in principle with the European Union in 2013. The Agreement will provide Canada with preferential market access to the EU’s more than 500 million consumers.  A joint study conducted with the European Union, concluded that an agreement could boost Canada’s income to the equivalent of creating almost 80,000 new jobs or increasing the average Canadian family’s annual income by $1,000.

 

What do you look forward to in the upcoming year?

Our federal government’s Budget 2014 will be dominant in the work that lies ahead for me this year. I have already spent many weeks in consultations with Canadians from all walks of life and sectors of Canada’s economy in preparation for the budget this spring.  We are working toward balancing the federal budget in 2015.  As well, our Conservative government will continue to work on policies that support jobs, economic growth and Canada’s long-term prosperity.  

My wife Darlene and I always enjoy attending local events and meeting constituents. For example, we always look forward to the Strathmore Heritage Days Parade; the July 1 Flag Raising, and the Strathmore Crisis Society Dinner. As in all of the towns and villages in our riding, I enjoy working on projects with my provincial and local colleagues in Strathmore.

 

How do you feel things are going since taking on the position of Minister of State for Finance?

Things are going very well in my new capacity.  While I am very busy carrying out my new duties, I am managing to keep up with the pace. There has been a ‘learning curve’ of course, as is the case with everyone who gets a new job or additional work.  As Minister of State (Finance) there are many events to attend nationally and representatives of many Canadians firms, associations and individuals to meet. I participated in the APEC conference in Indonesia, I have been responding to the Opposition Parties during Question Period and speaking on behalf of our government in the House of Commons – providing updates on Canada’s economic performance and bringing the facts and figures from the Department of Finance to debates.

 

What are some of the issues facing you in this coming year?

Again, the unveiling of Budget 2014 and the work involved with helping deliver it in the House of Commons and around the nation. There are numerous other policy fronts that our Conservative government will be pursuing as we described in the recent Speech from the Throne (www.SFT.gc.ca). Families are the cornerstone of the Canadian society. Our Conservative government will continue to support and protect Canadian families by keeping taxes low, defending Canadian consumers, and supporting victims and punishing criminals.

Of special note for the agricultural sector in our riding is Bill C-18, the Agricultural Growth Bill. It is good news for farmers – from plant protection and breeding to farm finances and feed. It will increase access to important programs for farmers and result in cost savings. Bill C-18 has already received wide support because the proposed changes respond to recommendations made by industry stakeholders.

 

Do you feel progress is being made in the CPP talks?

Our government shares the position of employees, employers and many provinces that now is not the time to raise CPP costs for Canadians. During a fragile global recovery, Canadians simply cannot afford the reduced hours, wages and paycheques that a CPP expansion would trigger.

Increased payroll taxes lead to less hiring and more layoffs which is especially concerning as it is very difficult to have a healthy retirement plan for tomorrow if there is no job today. Rather than raise CPP taxes on everybody, we must get the people who are not saving enough for retirement to start saving sufficiently.

Our government has provided massive incentives for Canadians to make the financial decision to save. This includes the introduction of Pooled Registered Pension Plans and the Tax Free Savings Account. Our priority is to continue strengthening Canada’s economy while keeping taxes low.