Stephen Harper, the Prime Minister of Canada, made it very clear to anyone who cared to listen exactly what the Conservative Government’s future intentions are.  Although the Prime Minister did not discuss details, he did lay out a very specific list of priorities that he is planning to introduce in the Speech from the Throne.

“We are going to ask Parliament for a mandate,” said the Prime Minister during a lengthy media conference.  “They (the opposition) are going to have to fish or cut bait.”  The Prime Minister said the Speech from the Throne would focus on the priorities of Canadians.  These priorities are:
 
- Reaffirming Canada’s sovereignty while demonstrating responsible leadership on the world stage
- Keeping the Canadian economy strong through strong economic management and lower taxes
- Strengthening the federation
- Implementing the Government’s criminal justice agenda
- Delivering real results on the environment

The Prime Minister stressed the significance of the Throne Speech vote by declaring,    "[if] we have that mandate, we're going to consider that basically gives us the right to consider those matters confidence and to go forward, to get results and to get things done."

Prime Minister Harper held the rare media conference in response to a great deal of political posturing and threats from the three opposition parties.  The Prime Minister indicated that Canadian voters do not want an election.  My many discussions with constituents throughout the riding of Stormont, Dundas and South Glengarry confirm that his comment is accurate in representing the views of our area.  I have not met one resident of S.D.& S.G. who is in favour of an election.

My view and the view of our Government is that an election is not necessary at this time.  Constituents of Stormont, Dundas and South Glengarry and the general Canadian public feel that the current government is doing a reasonably good job.  However, what must stop is the obstructionist measures the three opposition parties are using to delay our present legislation from going ahead.

Very important acts of Parliament, like our Justice Bills, which would raise the age of consent, are left languishing in the Liberally dominated Senate while sexual predators continue to exploit our children.  The opposition parties are using Committees to change or completely gut meaningful legislation the Canadian public is waiting for by using their collective majority on these Committees.

As the Prime Minister said, “It is time for the opposition to ‘fish of cut bait’.” I believe, that the Canadian public and the Constituents of Stormont, Dundas and South Glengarry deserve a good clean government (minority or majority) that will lower their taxes, clean up the environment, reestablish our reputation on the world stage, strengthen our Federation and make our communities safe.

I believe that our Prime Minister and our Government are on the right track, bringing forward legislation that is good for all Canadians and legislation that is what the Canadian public has been waiting for for some time.  We must push this legislation forward at whatever cost and I have every confidence that whatever results from the Prime Minister’s upcoming Speech from the Throne will be in the best interest of the Canadian public and the Constituents of my Riding.