Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his Conservative Party Government of Canada planned and adopted, since its election on January 23, 2006, several policies regarding to various interior and domestic issues in Canada such as social and environmental policies. At the beginning of the government's term, five policy priorities were identified in the areas of federal accountability, tax reform, crime, child care and health care. The Prime Minister of Canada (French: Premier ministre du Canada), is the head of the Government of Canada. ... Stephen Joseph Harper (born April 30, 1959) is the 22nd and current Prime Minister of Canada and leader of the Conservative Party of Canada. ... The Conservative Party of Canada (French: Parti conservateur du Canada), colloquially known as the Tories, is a right-leaning conservative political party in Canada, formed by the merger of the Canadian Alliance and the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada in December 2003. ... The Canada wordmark, used by most agencies of the Canadian federal government. ...

2006 Budget

The first federal budget of the Conservative government was released on May 2, 2006 by Finance Minister Jim Flaherty. Hon. ...

GST cut

The Conservative government promised to lower the federal Goods and Services Tax from 7% to 6% for the first budget and to while lower it to 5% for 2011. There were some concerns from activists, that the cut would only benefit the rich. There were also some concerns that retailers would raise their prices to compensate. Finally, there were also possibilities that some provincial governments take advantage and raise their provincial taxes. During the 2006 election campaign, the Martin government proposed income tax cuts for lower-middle income earners. The Liberals have claimed that the GST cut would effectively result in a tax increase for those in the lower-middle income bracket. The Conservatives argued that the GST cuts would benefit all Canadians, including low-income earners and those outside the workforce who do not pay income tax. The Canadian Goods and Services Tax (GST) (Taxe sur les produits et services, TPS) is a multi-level value-added tax introduced in Canada on January 1, 1991, by Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and finance minister Michael Wilson. ... For other uses, see Paul Martin (disambiguation). ... The Liberal Party of Canada (French: ), colloquially known as the Grits (originally Clear Grits), is a Canadian federal political party positioned at the centre of the political spectrum, combining a progressive social policy with moderate economics. ... Tax brackets are the divisions at which tax rates change in a progressive tax system (or an explicitly regressive tax system, although this is much rarer). ...

The first GST cut went into effect on July 1, 2006, and no provinces have raised provincial sales tax as of yet.

Critics of the budget

It was met with dissent by the Liberal and New Democratic parties and mostly positive reception from the Bloc. The Liberals and NDP voiced disapproval over the Conservatives following through on their election promise to replace the Liberals child care policy with their own, and for replacing Canada's $4 billion environmental policy with a $2 billion "made in Canada" plan of their design. The budget was met with widespread support amongst the business community and polling indicated that a clear majority of Canadians approved of the budget.^{[citation needed]} The Liberal Party of Canada (French: ), colloquially known as the Grits (originally Clear Grits), is a Canadian federal political party positioned at the centre of the political spectrum, combining a progressive social policy with moderate economics. ... The New Democratic Party (NDP; Nouveau Parti démocratique in French) is a political party in Canada with a social democratic philosophy that contests elections at both the federal and provincial levels. ...

Vote

While it initially appeared that the only way the Conservatives' budget would pass would be with the support of the Bloc Quebecois, the budget passed third reading without dissent on June 6, 2006 when the members of the Opposition accidentally failed to stand after the Deputy Speaker of the House called for debate. Because there were no speakers for the Opposition, the budget was declared passed with unanimous support and no recorded vote and thus forwarded to the Senate for approval. This marked the first time in Canadian Parliamentary history where a government's budget passed unanimously on the third and final reading. The Bloc Qu cois is a federal political party in Canada that is primarily devoted to promoting sovereignty for the province of Quebec. ...

2006 surplus

On September 25, 2006, the Conservative government announced a 13.2 billion-dollar surplus within the fiscal year. The full amount was used to pay out the country's debt which currently stands at just under $500 billion. ^[1] September 25 is the 268th day of the year (269th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Surplus means the quantity left over, after conducting an activity; the quantity which has not been used up, and can refer to: budget surplus, the opposite of a budget deficit economic surplus Surplus product or surplus value in Marxian economics physical surplus in the economic theory of Piero Sraffa Operating...

In a financial update on November 23, 2006, Finance Minister Jim Flaherty wanted to eliminate the country's net debt by 2021 calling it "a matter of fairness for future generations". He also promised to lower taxes including, personal income taxes, employment insurance rates, and corporate tax revenues. He had also considering a move to split the income of married couples for tax purposes. ^[2] For other uses, see Debt (disambiguation). ... Unemployment benefits are sums of money given to the unemployed by the government or a compulsory para-governmental insurance system. ... Corporate tax refers to a direct tax levied by various jurisdictions on the profits made by companies or associations. ...

Income trusts

On October 31, 2006, Flaherty announced a new tax on income trusts created after that date. The new tax regime would apply to existing trusts in 2011. Several companies such as Telus and Bell Canada Enterprises had announced their plans to convert to income trusts, but are now expected to withdraw those plans. In the 2006 election, the Conservatives promised not to tax income trusts. ^{[3] [4] [5] [6]}. An income trust is an investment trust that holds income-producing assets. ... TELUS (TSX: T, NYSE: TU) is a Canadian telecommunications company, the countrys second-largest telecommunications carrier after Bell Canada, with C$8. ... Bell Canada Enterprises (TSX: BCE, NYSE: BCE), legally BCE Inc. ...

Subsequent to the October 31st announcement by Flaherty, the TSX Capped Energy Trust Index lost 21.8% in market value and the TSX Capped Income Trust Index lost 17.6% in market value by mid November 2006. In contrast, the TSX Capped REIT Index, which is exempt from the 'Tax Fairness Plan', gained 3.2% in market value. According to the Canadian Association of Income Funds, this translates into a permanent loss in savings of $30 Billion to Canadian Income Trust Investors [1].

Economist Yves Fortin has challenged the reasons for the change in tax regime announced by Flaherty and disputes the Harper government assertion that the Trust structure has lead to lose of tax revenue because of trust conversions in his research paper Income Trusts and Tax Leakage: Is there a problem?.

Analyst Gordon Tait has also raised concerns about the lack of consultation and misconceptions surrounding the change in tax policy on Trusts in The Inconvenient Truth About Trusts

A December 11th, 2006 Income Trust Report by PricewaterhouseCoopers reviewed the surveys and studies conducted in 2004 and 2005, the economic benefits and impact of Income Trusts in Canada. The report concludes that Income Trusts do have a place in Canadian capital markets and the 'Tax Fairness Plan' is unfair to Canadian Investors who hold Trusts in a tax-deferred Registered Retirement Savings Plan or a Registered Retirement Income Fund A PwC office building (Southwark Towers) in London, England. ... An income trust is an investment trust that holds income-producing assets. ... . ... A Registered Retirement Income Fund or RRIF is a tax-deferred retirement plan under Canadian tax law. ...

In a year-end interview with the Canadian Press, Harper mentioned that this was "the toughest decision for the government".^[7] The Canadian Press voted the Harper Government and Jim Flaherty 'Business Newsmaker of 2006' for the announcement to tax Income Trusts on Halloween ^{[8] [9]}. The Canadian Press (CP) is a Canadian news agency established in 1917 as a vehicle to permit Canadian newspapers of the day to exchange their news and information. ...

Fiscal imbalance

During the 2006 campaign, Stephen Harper promised the provinces including Quebec and Ontario to deal with the issue of fiscal imbalance. When the budget was announced, there was commitment to deal with the matter but little money was used for it. No funding was used when Finance Minister Jim Flaherty announced a $13 billion surplus. The Bloc Quebecois has threaten to topple the government, if the Tories didn't give an additional $3.9 billion to the province. Support for the Conservatives in the province was up during the election due to the promise by Harper to deal with the matter.^[10] Fiscal imbalance can refer to: Vertical fiscal imbalance Horizontal fiscal imbalance See also Fiscal equalization Vertical fiscal imbalance in Canada Canada Health and Social Transfer Equalization payments Transfer payment This is a disambiguation page — a list of articles associated with the same title. ... Hon. ... The Bloc Qu cois is a federal political party in Canada that is primarily devoted to promoting sovereignty for the province of Quebec. ...

Environment

Criticism of Kyoto Accord

Harper and the Conservative government criticized the Kyoto Accord on measures to fight against global warming and greenhouse gas emissions. Harper considered the objectives implemented by Canada to meet its goals were not realistic. He had proposed a "Made in Canada" plan that would concentrate its efforts on reducing smog pollution from vehicles. ^[11][12][13] In a CTV report in October, however, the Conservatives had mentioned that it would be an approach rather than a plan.^[14] Earth as seen by Apollo 17 The Kyoto Protocol is an amendment to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), an international treaty on global warming. ... Top: Increasing atmospheric CO2 levels as measured in the atmosphere and ice cores. ... Victorian London was notorious for its thick smogs, or pea-soupers, a fact that is often recreated to add an air of mystery to a period costume drama. ...

Clean Air Act

On October 10, 2006 in Vancouver, Harper announced some measures such as tax credits to environmental-friendly measures, a repackaged air quality health index and a program to retrofit diesel school buses. Harper mentioned that these measures would "move industry from voluntary compliance to strict enforcement; replace the current ad hoc, patchwork system with clear, consistent, and comprehensive national standards; and institute a holistic approach that doesn't treat the related issues of pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions in isolation." Prior to the announcement, activists groups listed a series of recommendations including regulations on big industries and to comply with the Kyoto Protocol.^[15] Vancouver (pronounced: ) is a city in southwestern British Columbia, Canada. ... The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a standardized index of the air quality in a given location, given in parts per billion. ... Kyoto Protocol Opened for signature December 11, 1997 in Kyoto, Japan Entered into force February 16, 2005. ...

Details of the Clean Air Act were revealed on October 19, 2006 by Harper along with Environment Minister Rona Ambrose and Transport Minister Lawrence Cannon. Its main plan was to reduce greenhouse emissions at about 45 to 65% of the 2003 levels. The goal was set for the year 2050 while a decrease of greenhouse emissions would be noticed in 2020. There were also regulations set for vehicle fuel consumption for 2011. While new measure would be set for industries starting in 2010. Finally, oil companies will have to reduce gas emissions for each barrel produced. However, companies can increase their production until 2020.^[16]. The plan was heavily criticized by opposition parties and several environmental groups. It is likely that the measure will not pass the Canadian House of Commons if no amendments are made. A Clean Air Act describes one of a number of pieces of legislation relating to the reduction of smog and atmospheric pollution in general. ... Ronalee Rona Ambrose, PC, BA, MA, MP (born March 15, 1969 in Valleyview, Alberta) is Canadas current Minister of the Environment. ... Hon. ... 2050 (MML) will be a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... The House of Commons (French: Chambre des communes) is a component of the Parliament of Canada, along with the Sovereign (represented by the Governor General) and the Senate. ...

On December 20, 2006, Ambrose and Agriculture Minister Chuck Strahl announced a 345 million-dollar funding and other measures to promote the use of biodiesel and ethanol in policies surrounding the Clean Air Act. Among that, diesel fuel, regular fuel and heating oil would require a small amount of cleaner energy by 2012. Measures would also affected farmers in diversifying their agriculture and farming equipment. ^[17] Charles Chuck Strahl (born February 25, 1957) is a politician in British Columbia, Canada. ... Biodiesel refers to a diesel-equivalent, processed fuel derived from biological sources (such as vegetable oils), which can be used in unmodified diesel-engined vehicles. ... Ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol or grain alcohol, is a flammable, colorless, mildly toxic chemical compound with a distinctive perfume-like odor, and is the alcohol found in alcoholic beverages. ... This article is about the fuel. ... Heating oil, or burning oil, also known in the United States as No. ...

Response to climate change report

Harper later proposed a discussion with NDP leader Jack Layton in the light of growing concerns made by the United Kingdom government of Tony Blair as well as a report by Sir Nicholas Stern, a former chief economist World Bank who predicted a 20% drop of the global economy. Layton tabled a private member's bill which contained plans to respect Kyoto's targets. After their meeting, they agreed on a formal review of the Clean Air Act. ^{[18] [19] [20] [21] [22]} John Gilbert Jack Layton, PC, MP, PhD (born July 18, 1950, in Hudson, Quebec) is a social democrat Canadian politician and current leader of Canadas New Democratic Party (since 2003). ... For other people of the same name, see Tony Blair (disambiguation) Anthony Charles Lynton Blair (born 6 May 1953)[1] is the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, First Lord of the Treasury, Minister for the Civil Service, Leader of the UK Labour Party, and Member of the UK Parliament... Sir Nicholas Stern, author of the report. ... Nicholas Stern Sir Nicholas Stern, FBA (born 22 April 1946) is a British economist and academic. ... Logo of the World Bank The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD, in Romance languages: BIRD), better known as the World Bank, is an international organization whose original mission was to finance the reconstruction of nations devastated by WWII. Now, its mission has expanded to fight poverty by means... A Clean Air Act describes one of a number of pieces of legislation relating to the reduction of smog and atmospheric pollution in general. ...

Meetings on global warming

Harper canceled a planned meeting on environment with European Union members in Helsinki, Finland, a meeting in which he was expecting to condemn the Kyoto Accord. Critics cited that Harper canceled its meeting to avoid the criticism from EU officials. Harper's director of communications cited that his legislation agenda forced him to withdrew from the meeting. ^[23] Furthermore, Ambrose attended a two-week November 2006 UN summit meeting in Nairobi, Kenya on the issue of the Kyoto Accord and it targets. Opposition members have claimed that her presence will be an embarrassment for Canada. ^[24] Helsinki (pronounced with the stress on the first syllable in Finnish — think Helsin Ki), or Helsingfors in Swedish, is the capital of Finland. ... Categories: Africa geography stubs | Capitals in Africa | Kenya ...

Critics

At the Nairobi summit, the Climate Action Network had given a "fossil of the day" award to the country along with Australia for contributing less to the battle of climate change. The country was also ranked 51st out of 56 countries of those who were part of a climate treaty in 1992 or contributed a least 1% of greenhouse emissions according to Germanwatch, a Bonn, Germany development group which ranked countries based on their contribution of fighting greenhouse emissions. The deputy leader of the Green Party David Chernushenko had included Canada in an "axis of environmental evil" along with the United States and Australia. ^{[25] [26]} 1992 (MCMXCII) was a leap year starting on Wednesday. ... Map of Germany showing Bonn Watershed of the Rhine river Bonn is a city in Germany (Population (2002 est): 310 930, the 19th largest city in Germany), in the Bundesland of North Rhine-Westphalia, located ca. ... The Green Party of Canada is a federal political party in Canada. ... David Chernushenko at age 40 David Chernushenko is a businessman and politician in Ontario, Canada. ...

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• Canada's environment minister may be replaced
• Canadian Prime Minister Harper agrees to send 'Clean Air Act' to committee

Due to the mounted controversy surrounding the Clean Air Act, there were reports according to the Canadian Press that Ambrose will be relieved of her duties as Environment Minister and being replaced by Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice in a future cabinet shuffle. ^[27] However, on January 4, 2006, the Toronto Star and Radio-Canada reported that Ambrose would be replaced the President of the Treasury Board John Baird (Canadian politician) ^{[28] [29]} Image File history File links Wikinews-logo. ... Wikinews is a free-content news source and a project of the Wikimedia Foundation. ... P. E. James Jim Prentice, PC, MP (born July 20, 1956, in South Porcupine, Timmins, Ontario) is a Canadian lawyer and politician. ... The Toronto Star is Canadas highest-circulation newspaper, though its print edition is distributed almost entirely within Ontario. ... CBC redirects here, as this is the most common use of the abbreviation. ...

Funding for provinces

The previous government pledged funding to several provinces including Ontario and Quebec. However, the Conservatives cited that with the new Clean Air Act, the Liberal agreements have been annulled. Ontario lost 538 millions dollars and Quebec 328 million dollars. Quebec's Environment Minister Claude Béchard vowed to influenced the Tory government and forced them to send the 328 million-dollar funding for the province. ^[30] Claude Béchard (born June 29, 1969 in Saint-Philippe-de-Néri, Quebec) is a politician in Quebec, Canada. ...

Other measures

In the 2006 budget, the government introduced a 15.25% tax-credit on monthly passes for transit users.^[31] Harper also announced a $300 million grant to the Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority which will be used in part for preparations for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.^[32] Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority is responsible for public transit in Greater Vancouver area. ... (Redirected from 2010 Olympic Winter Games) The 2010 Winter Olympics, known formally as the XXI Olympic Winter Games, will be held in Vancouver in the province of British Columbia in Canada. ...

The government also secured a 200-million dollar funding for Ottawa's O-Train expansion project after Treasury Board President John Baird review the project to make sure there were no cost overruns. The money was secured after Ottawa's new council voted on the project. ^{[33] [34]} The O-Train at Carleton University. ... John Russell Baird, PC, MP (born May 26, 1969) is a Canadian politician. ...

Agriculture

Aid for farmers

In 2006, farmers demanded the federal government a substantial aid to be able to cope with a 2005 World Trade Organisation (WTO) ruling that will abolish subsidies and other trade barriers in the agriculture industry before 2013. For other uses of the initials WTO, see WTO (disambiguation). ...

The farmers, especially from the Ottawa region drove their tractors to Parliament Hill, oil and food terminals across Ottawa and in front of the Prime Minister's residence to voice their concerns. Motto: Advance Ottawa/Ottawa en avant Coordinates: Country Canada Province Ontario County Established 1850 as Bytown City Mayor Larry OBrien Governing body Ottawa City Council MPs / MPPs Members of Parliament (MPs) Mauril Bélanger (LPC), Paul Dewar (NDP), John Baird (CPC), Royal Galipeau (CPC), David McGuinty (LPC),Pierre Lemieux... Centre Block, Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Canada Parliament Hill, (French Colline du Parlement), -The Hill for locals- is a scenic location on the banks of the Ottawa River in downtown Ottawa, Canada. ... Side View of 24 Sussex Drive 24 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, is the official residence of the Prime Minister of Canada. ...

In the 2006 budget, the Conservatives announced an immediate $1.5 billion aid to farmers and $755 million funding from the previous government for the Grains and Oilseeds Payment Program. Agriculture Minister Chuck Strahl also announced in July $550 million in aid to low-income farmers with a two-year pilot project ^{[35] [36]} Charles Chuck Strahl (born February 25, 1957) is a politician in British Columbia, Canada. ...

Wheat Board

Strahl also planned to review the roles of the Canadian Wheat Board, a monopoly in the Canadian wheat industry. He wanted to end the "single desk" system which causes the monopoly, despite opposition of farmers which supported the current role of the Board. ^[37] The Canadian Wheat Board (known at times as the Canada Wheat Board or by the acronym CWB) was established by the Parliament of Canada in 1935 as a producer marketing system for wheat and barley. ... In economics, a monopoly (from the Latin word monopolium - Greek language monos, one + polein, to sell) is defined as a persistent market situation where there is only one provider of a product or service. ...

Social policy

Age of consent

The Conservative Government have planned to increase the legal age of consent from 14 to 16 years. Justice Minister Vic Toews proposed the bill in order, according to him, to protect youth against "sexual predators". The minimum age of 14 was previously set a century ago.^[38] This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Victor Vic Toews, PC, MP [teıvz] (born September 10, 1952) is a Canadian politician. ...

Same-sex marriage

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Canada to have free vote on reopening gay marriage debate

Stephen Harper promised during the 2006 election campaign, a free vote to revisit the issue of same-sex marriage which was passed by the previous government in 2005. However, the vote which took place on December 7, 2006 was rejected 175-123. Harper told the media that the issue is case closed and will not rediscuss on it.^{[39] [40]} Image File history File links WikiNews-Logo. ... Wikinews is a free-content news source and a project of the Wikimedia Foundation. ... Same-sex marriage is a term for a marriage where the people involved are the same sex. ...

There were also plans to pass a law that would protect "freedom of religious expression", a law that according to many is perceived as a protection to opponents of same-sex marriage. The government cut funding to various social programs and festivals, some of which were related to the gay community such as Montreal's Black and Blue festival, one of the biggest gay festivals in Canada.^[41][42] The Harper government also reduced spending for women's advocacy work on the status of women in the country.^[43] Motto: Concordia Salus Coordinates: Country Canada Province Québec Founded 1642 Established 1832 Mayor Gérald Tremblay Area    - City 366. ...

Child-care policy

In the 2006 budget, the Tories introduced a new child-care allowance that gives parents with children under six years of age an allowance of $1200 per year, which is taxable in the hands of the lower income parent. The allowance is not tied to actual child care expenses, and is available to all parents, regardless of whether or not they use childcare services. The measure have cost the government about $3.7 billion per year. The Conservatives will terminate all child-care deals that were made between the previous government and several provinces after March 2007 ^[44] Childcare is the act of caring for and supervising minor children. ...

This measure was met with opposition by the provincial counterparts including Ontario's Dalton McGuinty and Quebec's Premier Jean Charest. They claimed that it will create additional daycare places which Minister Diane Finley promised. Quebec officials also cited that it will harm provincial revenues and deteriorate fiscal equality. Other opponents mentioned that the spending was not adequate and did not address the need for child care spaces, particularly in urban centers. Supporters argued that the Liberal program the Tories replaced was inflexible and discriminated against stay-at-home parents. Harper has stated that his government will work with provincial and local governments, not-for-profit organizations, and employers to create additional spaces, and has set aside $250 million per year to fund these initiatives. Dalton James Patrick McGuinty Jr. ... John James Charest (sha-ræ), PC, LL.B, MNA known as Jean Charest (born June 24, 1958) is a Canadian lawyer and politician from the province of Quebec. ... Diane Finley PC, MP (born October 3, 1958 in Hamilton, Ontario) is a Canadian politician. ...

Poverty and Homelessness

On December 19, 2006, the government announced 526 million dollars to tackle homelessness with 270 million dollars for the Homelessness Partnering Strategy and 246 million dollars for Canada Mortgage Corporation. It will provide funding for refurbishing and renovating low-income homes, as well as improving access for homeless people to various services and supports such as health and substance abuse treatment programs. Prior to the announcement, activists protested at Human Resources and Social Services Minister Diane Finley's offices in Ottawa.^[45] A homeless person in Paris. ... Substance abuse refers to the overindulgence in and dependence on a psychoactive leading to effects that are detrimental to the individuals physical health or mental health, or the welfare of others. ... A social worker is a person employed in the administration of charity, social service, welfare, and poverty agencies, advocacy, or religious outreach programs. ... Diane Finley PC, MP (born October 3, 1958 in Hamilton, Ontario) is a Canadian politician. ...

Apology to Chinese-Canadians

On June 23, 2006, Stephen Harper offered full apology to Chinese Canadians for the country's treatment of Chinese immigrants during the years 1885 to 1923 on the imposing Head Tax policy to them, and subsequent discrimination policies, including subsequent exclusion of Chinese immigrants from 1923 until 1947. It is estimated about 82,000 Chinese paid the fee, first set at $50 and later raised to $500, about two years' wages at the time. Harper said that Chinese-Canadians who paid the tax or their surviving spouses will receive a symbolic $20,000 ex-gratia payment.^[46] June 23 is the 174th day of the year (175th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 191 days remaining. ... 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... The Chinese head tax was a fixed fee charged for each Chinese person entering Canada. ...

Interior security

For border security measures, see Foreign policy of the Harper government

The Conservative Party Government of Canada led by Prime Minister Stephen Harper has been involved in several ways overseas, particularly due to its role alongside the United States in the War against terror originated from the September 11, 2001 attacks in the U.S. // Stephen Harper and George W. Bush...

Transit security

On November 14, 2006, Transport Minister Lawrence Cannon announced an immediate 37 million-dollar investment on improving security in public transit systems across the country. Cannon said that transit systems are not immune to terrorist attacks like those that hit Madrid, London and Mumbai over the past two years. Toronto and Montreal received 11 million dollars each, Ottawa 1.2 million dollars while Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary also received a certain amount. The money will be used for security plans, public awarenesses and training. The Toronto Transit Commission and OC Transpo requested that the money would be spent on installing cameras inside buses. ^{[47] [48]} Subsequently it was revealed that while 40% of all transit users in Canada use the TTC, and 85% of Toronto transit riders use the TTC, it will only receive $1.46 million, with the remaining grant used for GO Transit and Union Station. This stance is further evidence of the Harper government to support provincial projects (GO Transit is a provincial transit system) and continue to force municipalities to fend for themselves. ^[49] A minister or a secretary is a politician who holds significant public office in a national or regional government. ... Hon. ... Location Coordinates : 40° 23’N , 3°43′0″W Time Zone : CET (GMT +1) - summer: CEST (GMT +2) General information Native name Villa de Madrid (Spanish) Spanish name Villa de Madrid Founded 9th century Postal code 28001-28080 Area code 34 (Spain) + 91 (Villa de Madrid) Website http://www. ... This article is about the capital of England and the United Kingdom. ... Mumbai (Marathi: मुंबई, IPA: ), formerly known as Bombay, is the capital of the state of Maharashtra, the most populous city of India, and by some measures the most populous city in the world with an estimated population of about 13 million (as of 2006). ... Motto: Concordia Salus Coordinates: Country Canada Province Québec Founded 1642 Established 1832 Mayor Gérald Tremblay Area    - City 366. ... Motto: Advance Ottawa/Ottawa en avant Coordinates: Country Canada Province Ontario County Established 1850 as Bytown City Mayor Larry OBrien Governing body Ottawa City Council MPs / MPPs Members of Parliament (MPs) Mauril Bélanger (LPC), Paul Dewar (NDP), John Baird (CPC), Royal Galipeau (CPC), David McGuinty (LPC),Pierre Lemieux... Vancouver (pronounced: ) is a city in southwestern British Columbia, Canada. ... Edmonton is the capital of the Canadian province of Alberta, situated in the central region of the province, an area with some of the most fertile farmland on the prairies. ... Calgary is the largest city in the province of Alberta, Canada. ... It has been suggested that TTC Special Constable Services be merged into this article or section. ... OC Transpo articulated bus OC Transpo is the urban transit service of the City of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. ... It has been suggested that TTC Special Constable Services be merged into this article or section. ... GO Transit, officially known as the Greater Toronto Transit Authority (GTTA), is Canadas first, and Ontarios only, interregional public transit system, established to link Toronto with the surrounding regions of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). ...

Crime policy

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Canadian PM to amend Criminal Code, drugged drivers to be charged

The government promised to be tough on crime by imposing tougher sentences to people committing firearm offenses and violent crimes; a promise made by Harper after a record number of fatalities by gun-related incidents in Toronto in 2005. They are also on the process of creating a new law that would impose tougher sentences for repeat crime offenders, eliminating house arrest or conditional sentences of offenders and a legislation targeting impaired drivers and street racing. Several anti-crime bills are currently progressing in the House. ^{[50] [51]} Image File history File links WikiNews-Logo. ... Wikinews is a free-content news source and a project of the Wikimedia Foundation. ... This article does not cite its references or sources. ... Sub-Zero performing a Head Rip fatality in Mortal Kombat 1 In the Mortal Kombat series of fighting games, a Fatality is a special finishing move that can be used against ones opponent at the end of the final match. ...

Health policy

For the policy on AIDS see Foreign Policy of the Harper government The Conservative Party Government of Canada led by Prime Minister Stephen Harper has been involved in several ways overseas, particularly due to its role alongside the United States in the War against terror originated from the September 11, 2001 attacks in the U.S. // Stephen Harper and George W. Bush...

Patient Wait Times Guarantee

The Harper government promised to introduce a "Patient Wait Times Guarantee" in conjunction with the provinces. Harper has recently been criticized by prominent media figures, such as Paul Wells, for downplaying this fifth and final priority.

On January 11, 2007, Harper announced a $2.6 million pilot project involving a network of 16 pediatric hospitals across the nation. The plan is to monitor wait times in various children's hospitals and in the long range, surgery wait times. Similar existing measures have been implemented in the post by several provincial governments. Critics mentionned that the federal government had interfered in provincial jurisdictions while Ontario's Intergovermental Affairs Minister Marie Bountrogianni cited the deal as a "photo-op" and an insignificant contribution to the health system. ^[52]. Previously, on January 5, 2007, the government also launched a similar pilot project worth $3.7 million for guaranteed wait times for aboriginal people from First Nations reserves in Manitoba who have "diabetes related-foot ulcers and possible amputations" ^[53] Pediatrics (also spelled paediatrics or pædiatrics) is the branch of medicine that deals with the medical care of infants and children. ... Motto: Ut Incepit Fidelis Sic Permanet (Latin: Loyal she began, loyal she remains) Official languages None Flower White Trillium Tree Eastern White Pine Bird Common Loon Capital Toronto Largest city Toronto Lieutenant-Governor James K. Bartleman Premier Dalton McGuinty (Liberal) Parliamentary representation  - House seats  - Senate seats 106 24 Area Total... Marie Bountrogianni BA, MEd (born December 10, 1956) is a politician in Ontario, Canada. ... Indigenous peoples are: Peoples living in an area prior to colonization by a state Peoples living in an area within a nation-state, prior to the formation of a nation-state, but who do not identify with the dominant nation. ... First Nations is a term of ethnicity used in Canada. ... Motto: Gloriosus et Liber (Latin: Glorious and free) Official languages English and French, per mandate of the Constitution Act 1982 Flower Prairie Crocus Tree White Spruce Bird Great Grey Owl Capital Winnipeg Largest city Winnipeg Lieutenant-Governor John Harvard Premier Gary Doer (NDP) Parliamentary representation  - House seats  - Senate seats 14...

Canadian Partnership Against Cancer

On November 24, 2006, Harper announced the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, a 5-year 260-million dollar national plan on battling different types of cancer. This not-for-profit organization will be monitored and evaluated by Health Canada. ^[54]. Prior to that announcement on October 23, Health Minister Tony Clement also launched an 8.4 million dollar heart health strategy that plans to tackle the issue of heart diseases and other related issues. ^[55] The Canadian Partnership Against Cancer will be a not-for-profit corporation to implement the Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control. ... It has been suggested that Cancerous tumor be merged into this article or section. ... The Department of Health, also referred to as Health Canada, is the department of the government of Canada with responsibility for national public health. ... Hon. ... Heart disease is an umbrella term for a number of different diseases which affect the heart. ...

Toxic chemicals

On December 8, 2006, the government announced plan to crack down on the usage of toxic chemicals. The plan is worth an estimated 300 million dollars over four years and would either eliminate, control or reduce some of the more hazardous toxic chemicals in order to protect the environment and the health and safety of Canadians particularly in workplaces as well as animals. The plan is a follow of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act that had previously named and targeted a series of dangerous substances.^[56] The Canadian Environmental Protection Act of 1999 is An Act respecting pollution prevention and the protection of the environment and human health in order to contribute to sustainable development. ...

Tainted blood scandal

On December 15, 2006, the government announced that it will officially compensate victims of a tainted blood scandal in which thousands of people were affected by Hepatitis C (during blood transfusions) before 1986 and after 1990. Those affected between 1986 and 1990 had already received the compensation in 1998. The amount of this deal was estimated at about $1 billion dollars.^[57] The tainted blood scandal may be a reference to: HIV-tainted blood scandal (Japan), or Health Management Associates Scandal, the Canadian tainted blood scandal that began in 1986. ... Cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer may ensue from Hepatitis C. Hepatitis C is a blood-borne, infectious, viral disease that is caused by a hepatotropic virus called Hepatitis C virus (HCV). ... Donating blood Blood transfusion is the process of transferring blood or blood-based products from one person into the circulatory system of another. ...

The Federal Accountability Act

Main article: Federal Accountability Act

On April 11, 2006, President of the Treasury Board John Baird, on behalf of the Harper government, tabled the Federal Accountability Act and Action Plan. The plan will reduce the opportunity to exert influence with money by banning corporate, union, and large personal political donations; five-year lobbying ban on former ministers, their aides, and senior public servants; providing protection for whistleblowers; and enhancing the power for the Auditor General to follow the money spent by the government. The Federal Accountability Act (full title: An Act providing for conflict of interest rules, restrictions on election financing and measures respecting administrative transparency, oversight and accountability) is a proposed statute introduced as Bill C-2 in the first session of the 39th Canadian Parliament on April 11, 2006, by the... April 11 is the 101st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (102nd in leap years). ... 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... The position of President of the Treasury Board was created as a ministerial position in the Canadian Cabinet in 1966 when the Treasury Board became a fully-fledged department. ... John Russell Baird, PC, MP (born May 26, 1969) is a Canadian politician. ...

While the government hopes to have this act passed before the House of Commons breaks for the summer, questions have arisen surrounding elements of the Federal Acountability Act and how it might affect the 2006 Liberal leadership convention. A $1,000 donation limit has been proposed as part of the Federal Accountability Act with political party convention donations being tied to this amount. The Liberal Party of Canada's leadership convention scheduled for December 2006 contains a $995 convention fee, which under the proposed Accountability Act could prevent convention delegates from donating anything beyond their convention fee or prevent the delegate's presence at the convention should their convention fee in conjunction with any donations prior to the convention put them above the donation limit. Some of the Senate majority-holding Liberal Senators have threatened to stall the Federal Accountability Act in the upper chamber until after December because of the effect the proposed donation limits may have on political party conventions. The House of Commons (French: Chambre des communes) is a component of the Parliament of Canada, along with the Sovereign (represented by the Governor General) and the Senate. ...

National unity

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• Harper to recognize Quebec as nation within Canada
• Canadian House of Commons passes Quebecois nation motion

After sidestepping the political landmine for most of the first year of his government, much as all all the post-Charlottetown Accord Prime Ministers had done, Harper reopened the debate on November 22, 2006, by introducing a motion in the House of Commons to recognize Quebec as a "nation within Canada." His hand was forced after the opposition Bloc Quebecois were to introduce a motion that called for recognition of Quebec as a "nation" but not within Canada. The Bloc later modify partly his motion and later decided to support the Conservatives motion which was greeted by Parti Quebecois Leader Andre Boisclair and by Quebec Premier Minister Jean Charest. ^{[58] [59] [60]} However, Intergovermental Minister Michael Chong say he didn't want the country's unity being compromise and divided. He resigned his Cabinet position on November 27 over the matter ahead of a vote on the motion which passed first reading in the House of Commons 266 to 16. It also rejected a Bloc Quebecois amendment that did not have mention of Canada. ^{[61] [62]} Image File history File links Wikinews-logo. ... Wikinews is a free-content news source and a project of the Wikimedia Foundation. ... Headline on October 27, 1992 Globe and Mail. ... November 22 is the 326th day (327th on leap years) of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Bloc Qu cois is a federal political party in Canada that is primarily devoted to promoting sovereignty for the province of Quebec. ... The Parti Québécois or PQ is a left wing political party that advocates national sovereignty for Quebec from Canada. ... Official leadership campaign picture of André Boisclair. ... John James Charest (sha-ræ), PC, LL.B, MNA known as Jean Charest (born June 24, 1958) is a Canadian lawyer and politician from the province of Quebec. ... Hon. ... The House of Commons (French: Chambre des communes) is a component of the Parliament of Canada, along with the Sovereign (represented by the Governor General) and the Senate. ... Amendment may refer to: A change made to a law. ...

Senate reform

During the 2006 election, Harper had promised that he would make a major reform in the Canadian Senate, which was one of the main objectives of the former Reform Party. He promised that Senators will be elected democratically like in the United States. On December 13, 2006, Harper introduced a bill that would "bring democracy" in the Senate. Critics though believed that it will require a reform of the Constitution. ^[63] The Senate of Canada (French: Le Sénat du Canada) is a component of the Parliament of Canada, along with the Sovereign (represented by the Governor General) and the House of Commons. ... The Reform Party of Canada was a Canadian federal political party founded in 1987. ... A senate is a deliberative body, often the upper house or chamber of a legislature. ...

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Canadians to elect senate for first time

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Image

There have been claims in the media that evangelical Christians see Harper as "an image-savvy evangelical who has been careful to keep his signals to them under the media radar, but they have no doubt his convictions run deep—so deep that only after he wins a majority will he dare translate the true colors of his faith into policies that could remake the fabric of the nation" ,^[64] though others dispute this^{[citation needed]}. Evangelicalism, in a strictly lexical, but rarely used sense, refers to all things that are implied in belief that Jesus is the savior. ...

The Harper government reinstituted a policy of lowering the national flag at military installations such as Department of National Defence headquarters only, drawing criticism that the government was showing a lack of respect for the soldiers although veterans groups such as the Royal Canadian Legion support this policy.^[65]

See also

• Stephen Harper
• Foreign policy of the Harper government

Stephen Joseph Harper (born April 30, 1959) is the 22nd and current Prime Minister of Canada and leader of the Conservative Party of Canada. ... The Conservative Party Government of Canada led by Prime Minister Stephen Harper has been involved in several ways overseas, particularly due to its role alongside the United States in the War against terror originated from the September 11, 2001 attacks in the U.S. // Stephen Harper and George W. Bush...

Footnotes