The prime minister’s office allowed journalists in to the normally closed session of the Conservative caucus to hear Harper deliver an address about the upcoming session of Parliament.
In recent weeks, the government has been on the defensive over its handling of aboriginal affairs, with the Idle No More protest movement drawing attention to poor living standards among Canada’s First Nations.
In the House of Commons, opposition parties have also pressed Harper for concrete action. He has said the Tories have already made unprecedented investments in aboriginal housing, clean water and education.
In his speech Wednesday morning, he ignored the issue and focused on other matters.
“Seven years ago, for the first time, Canadians placed their trust in this government.,” Harper said of his rise to power in the 2006 election.
“And to that trust we have been faithful. We have kept our promises.”
However, he said the government cannot afford to be “complacent” because there are many more “challenges” to address.
He said that the government will be focused this spring on four areas that are “priorities” for Canadians:
• families;
• the safety of streets and communities;
• pride in being a Canadian citizen;
• personal financial security.
Harper said the global economy remains fragile but that Canada has produced more than 900,000 net new jobs in recent years.
Finance Minister Jim Flaherty will introduce a budget — which the Tories call an Economic Action Plan — in February or March and has promised it will not contain major spending initiatives, nor will there be any tax hikes.
“The economy is still job one,” said Harper. “As the work of Parliament resumes, we remain focused on our Economic Action Plan to create jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity.”
“We must develop — train for the job skills of tomorrow, invest in the technology that drives growth, equip our businesses to succeed worldwide. Red tape must go and taxes must stay low.”
On the justice system, an issue the Tories have made a political priority since 2006, Harper said there are many things still requiring “determined action.
“When it comes to keeping our streets and communities safe we will not rest for there is much more to be done,” said Harper, who provided no details of what is planned.
Meanwhile, Harper said his government has supported Canadian families in areas such as “promoting better health, a cleaner environment, (and) strengthened consumer safety.”
In those areas, he said, there will be more to come.
Finally, Harper signalled that Canadians will be hearing more from its government about historic commemorations.
They include the centennial of the First World War and events such as the battle at Vimy Ridge, the 200th anniversary of the birth of Sir John A. Macdonald, and the 150th anniversary of Confederation, in 2017.
Original Article
Source: national post
Author: Mark Kennedy, Jason Fekete
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