As I write to you today, the world is feeling the effects of the dramatic and unfortunate events in Iraq. The government of Canada is committed to the safety of all Canadians, and is taking the necessary measures to ensure the security of the nation, while working diligently toward a durable peace in the region. Despite these events, my efforts as your representative continue on a range of other issues.

On February 18th 2003, the Liberal government presented Budget 2003, a Budget that responds to the challenges we face as a nation. It is a budget that makes investments in areas that matter to us all, namely, our health care system, our environment, and supporting the development of Canadian families. This Budget also focuses on measures to improve the accountability and transparency of federal government programs. By doing so, Canadians are more aware of where and how their tax dollars are being spent.

In Ottawa, I have worked diligently on my Private Member’s Bill C-212, An Act Respecting User Fees , which is designed to bring greater transparency, accountability, and parliamentary oversight to federal government departments and agencies when they attempt to recover costs through user fees. The Bill has seen much headway, with user charging and cost recovery being referred to in Finance Minister John Manley’s 2003 Budget Speech, and in the Budget Plan 2003. This has been very encouraging and recognizes the hard work that I have put into this bill.

Moreover, as a member of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance, I had the opportunity to take part in pre-budget consultations for Budget 2003, and currently, on the issue of bank mergers.

I also have been an active member of the Prime Minister’s Task Force on Canada-U.S. Relations and on November 29th 2002, I was appointed chair of two important committees. The first committee is the Liberal Caucus Sub-Committee on Corporate Governance. After the events at Enron, we are examining the issue of corporate and financial accountability-an issue that is important to all Canadians. The second committee is the Sub-Committee on Public Service Renewal, which aims to develop a more modern and accountable public service.

As I continue my efforts as the House resumes, please accept my best wishes for a safe and happy spring. 
Also, please feel free to contact my office with any opinions or suggestions you wish to share with me.

Yours sincerely,

Roy Cullen, M.P.

Roy and the recipients of the Golden Jubilee Medal at the Royal Canadian Legion Hall in Etobicoke at 11 Irwin Rd.

 The National Strategy is based on the principle that the surest way to reduce crime is to focus on the factors that put individuals at risk: factors like family violence, school problems, and drug abuse.

Using this proactive social development approach, the National Strategy provides communities with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to deal with the root causes of crime at a local level.

For more information please call the National crime Prevention Centre at 1-877-302-NCPC or visit the website at: www.crime-prevention.org

Canada’s resilient economic performance is thanks to the efforts of all Canadians. It’s also a testament to our Liberal government’s responsible fiscal record of six consecutive budgetary surpluses, and careful spending. This success has led to low inflation, stable interest rates, lower foreign indebtedness, and placing the debt-to-GDP (Gross Domestic Product) ratio on a steady downward track. Last year, the economy created 560,000 new jobs. Economic growth was a stellar 3.3 percent.

Budget 2003 recognizes the critical link between social and economic policy. This means building the economy Canadians need, building the society Canadians value, and building the accountability Canadians deserve.

Canada’s health care system is a cornerstone of our quality of life. We want to know that we can count on it, and that it will be there for us when we need it. The 2003 First Ministers Health Accord, agreed to by the Prime Minister and Canada’s First Ministers on February 5th, will improve access to the health care system, enhance accountability for how health dollars are spent, and ensure the system is sustainable.

Budget 2003 builds on this Accord, and commits the federal government to increasing its support for health care, over the next three years by $17.3 billion, and by $34.8 billion over five years. This funding represents a substantial investment in the system, and an action plan for reform.

Together with the provinces and territories, the Liberal government established the National Child Tax Benefit to help families with children out of welfare. Budget 2003 announces a significant increase in the benefits to children living in low-income families through the Canada Child Tax Benefit to $10 billion by 2007.

Child care is another significant component in the lives of many Canadian families. In this Budget, we will invest $900 million over the next five years to assist the provinces and territories in improving access to quality child care and early learning opportunities. We will also provide $35 million over five years for similar programs for First Nations children, primarily on reserves.

Caring for children with severe disabilities imposes a heavy burden on families. In recognition of this, effective July 1st, Budget 2003 introduces a new $1,600 Child Disability Benefit. We are also providing $80 million per year to improve tax assistance for persons with disabilities, beginning in 2004-05 and drawing on an evaluation of the disability tax credit and expert advice.

The lack of affordable housing is a complex and troubling issue that primarily affects major urban centres like Etobicoke North. Budget 2003 provides funding to enhance existing affordable housing agreements with the provinces and territories; extend the federal government’s housing renovation program; and, build on the Supporting Communities Partnership Initiative to help communities strengthen their efforts to combat homelessness.

Modern infrastructure is vital in building dynamic cities and communities. We will commit funding for infrastructure support, including municipal infrastructure. This funding is vital in building dynamic cities and communities, and brings the federal government’s total commitment to $8.25 billion since Budget 2001.

For more information visit the Department of Finance at: www.fin.gc.ca