Dear Friends,
Just over two years have passed since Canadians gave our Liberal government a second mandate to govern. In large part, our majority victory on June 2, 1997, was a reflection of the confidence
that Canadians had in our ability to effectively manage the country's finances while maintaining and strengthening the social programs that are important to all of us.
As we enter the second half of our mandate, it is crucial that I understand what is important to my constituents. Only in this way can government remain relevant in these rapidly-changing times.
To this end, I encourage all of you to write to me with your ideas or concerns. Alternately, as I will be in the riding all summer, please feel free to schedule a visit with me at the
constituency office.
I hope all of you have a safe and enjoyable summer. I look forward to speaking with many of you in the coming months!
Yours sincerely,
Roy Cullen
The 36th Parliament's Second Year: Promises Made, Promises Kept
It has been a busy session of Parliament. Since last September we have introduced a total of 40 bills that work on behalf of all Canadians. We have met many of our key commitments and passed
legislation that improves the Canadian way of life. Through our efforts we've overseen a strong economy and the creation of Nunavut. We've made substantial changes to our justice system, and
played an important role on the international stage. Among our many goals and achievements, we made health care a top priority.
At Work on the Home Front
Our government has worked hard to create an economic climate that will continue to promote jobs, investment and growth. This past February, we presented the second budget in which we balanced
the books or better - the first time since 1951-52 that the government has been deficit-free for two years in a row. The 1999 Budget provided additional tax relief for Canadians and continued
our work to lower the federal government's debt. It also made key investments in the areas of knowledge and innovation, the National Child Benefit and health care. As a result of our careful
fiscal management, over the next five years the provinces and territories will receive an additional $11.5 billion in cash for health care, under the Canada Health and Social Transfer.
Canadians expect to live in safe communities. The proposed Youth Criminal Justice Act will deal more effectively with youth - especially violent youth - who repeatedly break the law. We also
passed a bill that fights money-laundering, and we changed the Criminal Code - toughening the provisions on impaired driving and strengthening the voice of victims of crime, so they can play a
greater role in the justice system if they so choose.
Our Liberal government took important steps to protect Canada's environment through its work on Bill C-32, which aims to prevent pollution and protect the environment and human health. We also
passed legislation that promises a solid future for the Canadian magazine industry, and other bills that put our public service pension system on sound footing and extend veterans benefits to
merchant marines.
Other highlights of the past session include: the introduction of a new citizenship bill; our commitment to modernize and simplify the Canada Elections Act; establishing the Canada Parks Agency
and the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency; and, legislation that will maintain essential government services in Canada's prisons and in our grain terminals.
At Work Abroad
On the international front, the House of Commons held three special debates on the situation in Kosovo. Since last September, we also passed changes to make air travel between Canada and the U.S.
easier. A crowning achievement for our government was passage of the new landmine treaty last fall.
Looking to the Future
The Liberal government has focused on very specific objectives: investing in children, rebuilding the economy, strengthening our health and social programs, and reducing taxes. Our many
accomplishments - which were achieved with the help and support of all Canadians - mean that we can move forward with new legislation in the fall that will further prepare Canada for the next
century.
THE NATIONAL CHILD BENEFIT
National Child Benefit Progress Report: 1999
Across Canada, low-income families have been receiving benefits and services from a range of new and enhanced federal, provincial and territorial programs. The National Child Benefit Progress
Report: 1999 lets Canadians know how we're doing so far and explains how these programs work together to help families.
The report provides details on the number of families benefiting from increased Government of Canada income support through the Canada Child Tax Benefit, the level of these increased benefits and
estimated costs; information on provincial and territorial investments in families and children; and details on the difficulties faced by children in low-income families as well as income and
labour market trends in the years leading up to the National Child Benefit's introduction.
What is the National Child Benefit?
The National Child Benefit helps families give their children a better start in life by reducing the depth of child poverty and helping parents keep jobs by improving benefits and services for
their families.
Parents on welfare can move into jobs while keeping financial supports for their children-and parents already working in low-income jobs get the support they need to stay employed.
Government of Canada
In July 1998 the Government of Canada invested $850 million in the National Child Benefit. This July it will add $425 million and in July 2000, another $425 million. In total, over $1.7 billion
annually will be invested in the National Child Benefit by the year 2000.
Reinvesting Money
Children's benefits and earned income supplements: Funds are directed to children's benefits, regardless of a family's source of income, and earned income supplements are paid to
working families.
Next Steps
Each year, a new progress report will explain the latest results of the National Child Benefit. The next report will come out in the fall of 2000.
Constituency Office: 815 Albion
Rd, Etobicoke, ON M9V 1A3 Phone: 416-747-6003
For more information on:
National Child Benefit
Progress Report: 1999
http://socialunion.gc.ca/NCB-99/!toceng.html
Federal/Provincial/Territorial Web Site: http://socialunion.gc.ca
Forum for young Canadians
Each year the Forum for Young Canadians brings more than 500 senior high school and CEGEP students from across Canada to the nation's capital for a week, to learn first hand how government works.
It is a programme of the Foundation for the Study of Processes of Government in Canada, a non-profit, non-partisan agency, incorporated in 1975.
The programme includes a general overview of Canada's governmental system: talks on particular aspects of government in Canada such as the Cabinet or the role of a Member of Parliament,
presented by individuals who are active in public life and include a question and answer period; group discussions; and simulations of a mock election, a Cabinet committee, a question period in
the House of Commons and a federal-provincial conference. Other sessions explore relationships between the government and the press, citizens' groups, business and labour.
On the lighter side, time is set aside for a tour of the National Capital Region, an evening of skits and entertainment, sports and a closing dinner at the National Arts Centre.
Earlier this spring three young constituents from Etobicoke North joined this enthusiastic group to learn more about the governmental process, and meet with their Member of Parliament. Pictured
here is Safiya Matthews and Vicram Ralh of Etobicoke sitting with Roy, along with their fellow Forum members. Roy also had the pleasure of meeting Maninderpal Mand for dinner as part of another
one-week session.
A HEALTHY ECONOMY
Since 1993 the Liberal government's economic strategy of jobs and growth has been working. A balance of key investments, tax cuts, and debt reduction has led to a healthy economy. Since October
1993, 1.6 million new jobs have been created and economic indicators are fuelling Canadian optimism.
Giving a Helping Hand
Promoting employment across the country is a priority. To help regions with high unemployment, we are investing $110 million each year in the Canada Job Fund.
To help young Canadians develop the skills and experience they need to take part in the working world, the Liberal government is spending $155 million per year in its Youth Employment Strategy.
More than 100,000 jobs were created for young Canadians in 1998. This strategy has been so successful that it is now a permanent program.
For more information on the Youth Employment Strategy: http://www.youth.gc.ca or 1-800-935-5555.
Tax Cuts
Tax cuts mean more money in the pockets of taxpayers. New personal income tax cuts announced in the 1999 Budget, when combined with those in the 1998 Budget, will lighten the tax burden for
Canadians by $16.5 billion over three years.
Many of our proposed tax cuts benefit families. The three per cent surtax was eliminated. The income tax for families who make less than $45,000 a year was cut by ten per cent, and the net
federal tax on households with two dependent children and annual incomes that do not exceed $30,000 was eliminated. A family of four earning $50,000 will see a 15 per cent reduction in their
income tax.
Investing in Families
The Canada Child Tax Benefit (CTB) provides income support to low-income and middle-income families with children. The 1999 Budget announced that CCTB benefits will be increased by $850 million
for low-income families and by $300 million for middle-income families. The total CCTB will then amount to close to $7 billion per year.
FOCUS ON ETOBICOKE NORTH
In preparation for the second half of our Liberal government's mandate, I would like to receive your input on what you see as priority issues. This will ensure that we are working together on
the issues that matter to you. Below are listed five broad issues on which I believe our government should focus. Please number them from 1-5 as you see their level of importance. Of course,
your priorities are not limited to the suggestions below, so feel free to add to the list.
Productivity/New Economy/Jobs
Bringing our human, natural and financial resources together to produce higher incomes, better jobs, and an enhanced quality of life.
Research and Innovation
Turning ideas into jobs by investing in research, and supporting private sector innovation.
Social Justice
Employment Insurance Reform, Homelessness/Social Housing, Youth Employment Strategy, Canada Child Tax Benefit, and a focus on Seniors.
Environment
Creating a healthier environment to make a stronger Canada.
Infrastructure/Regional Economic Development
Investing in the construction of projects such as physical restoration of local business communities-leading toward a more productive economy.
Fax: 416-747-8295