Happy New Year to everyone and may 2013 be a prosperous one for you and your family. The good news so far this year is that Canada’s largest trading partner, the United States, has avoided the so-called ‘fiscal-cliff’ of tax increases and program spending cuts. This is an early hopeful economic sign for all of us in 2013.
In our province and our Crowfoot riding, we have strong and informed political views. Canadians know of our political reputation and our historically formidable policy positions. We tend to be more fiscally conservative – we want to pay as we go – and avoid deficit financing when possible. We know what needs to be done and we are always willing to do our share of the heavy lifting. Recently, we are known for the wealth of much needed energy resources in our oil-sands. Years ago, Albertans shuddered to think of the amount of hard work it would be if the world ever came calling for these energy reserves.
The world is calling on us to sell them our oil and natural gas. While we have traditionally needed only one customer – the United States, today, the offers from other prospective customers are very attractive. I will add that many economists say that agriculture is and will increasingly be the next great wealth generator for jurisdictions that can serve this strong market. As we know, agriculture is Alberta’s second strongest industry!
This sketch of the kind of strong economic leadership that our province is providing Canada in our generation – and for the foreseeable future, is my lead-up to asking you to make your voices heard in advance of the federal government’s upcoming budget. As your Member of Parliament, I have always had the benefit of my constituents sharing with me – in generous and sometimes certain terms – what we want the Government of Canada doing with our hard-earned tax dollars. I am inviting all of my constituents to provide our local input for the upcoming Federal Budget in 2013 to the federal Finance Department website’s online pre-budget consultation at www.fin.gc.ca.
Our Conservative government is focused on the economy. Budget 2012 is helping to grow Canada’s economy and create jobs. Nearly 900,000 net new jobs have been created in Canada since July 2009 (90% full-time and 75% private sector) and Canada has the best economic growth record among all G-7 countries.
Canadians across the country are sending in their views on the best ways to strengthen Canada’s economy with pro-growth ideas as part of the next federal budget. In the Conservative National Caucus in Ottawa, as your MP for Crowfoot, I have been very outspoken calling for our return to a balanced budget. I hope my constituents ‘back me up’ and participate in the pre-budget consultation.
I invite you to provide your responses to the following questions:
- Are there measures we can take to strengthen our economy in the face of global economic threats?
- Are there any cost-neutral or low-cost measures to further solidify our economic recovery and position Canada to prosper over the long-term?
- In what areas should we look for more efficient and effective spending?
- How can the Government further encourage private sector growth and leadership in the economy?
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this or previous columns you may write me at 4945-50th Street, Camrose, Alberta, T4V 1P9, call 780-608-4600, toll-free 1-800-665-4358, fax 780-608-4603 or e-mail Kevin.Sorenson.C1@parl.gc.ca.
