My very first appointment last week was a real eye opener for me. It was with a young teacher, accompanied by her mother. This compassionate, very articulate young woman, Jocelyn, proceeded to tell me about a number of her students who were being cyberbullied. These teenage girls are being slandered on a website originating in Latvia. Anyone, anywhere in the world, could access the site and spread lies and rumours about anyone else anonymously. Quite frankly I was shocked at the information she provided to me about this website. That’s the problem with the current state of cyberspace; it is like the Wild West 150 years ago. Anything goes.

Jocelyn recounted how a number of her young female students’ reputations are being severely damaged and possibly ruined by unscrupulous, malicious individuals posting lies and false rumours on the site. It is having a tremendous effect on these young vulnerable victims. Many of them are suffering anxiety, depression, and worse. She explained that social media spreads like wildfire. Instantly all these lies are spread locally and within minutes of being posted, they are circulated to thousands via twitter and facebook.

I am happy that our Government is looking for ways to hold cyberbullies accountable for their actions. Following the tragic suicide of two Canadian teenagers due to cyberbullying, federal, provincial and territorial ministers of justice and public safety directed senior officials to identify potential gaps in the Criminal Code with regards to cyberbullying. The Prime Minister has been clear on this issue. “There is a point where bullying goes beyond youth misbehaving and becomes criminal activity. While I cannot comment on specific cases, I can say that we need to put a stop to cyberbullying.”

It is very frustrating that people anonymously use the internet to do immoral and unlawful things they would otherwise not do. We must address this ongoing scourge. In the meantime we need to offer as much assistance to our young people as possible. I believe we need to protect our children from online exploitation. I commend Jocelyn for championing this cause. I also applaud the Prime Minister’s wife, Laureen, for promoting the website www.NeedHelpNow.ca. This website is useful for parents and children alike to help protect ourselves and our loved ones from harm and to help us navigate the use of new technologies properly.

I strongly suggest everyone visit this very helpful and informative site.

Guy Lauzon

Member of Parliament

Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry

It is in that spirit that I strongly oppose a border fee proposed by our closest trading partner and neighbour. President Barrack Obama’s 2014 budget request to Congress proposes to study the feasibility of charging a fee to anyone crossing the American border by land. I believe such a fee would be very ill-advised as it would hurt the $1.9-billion in trade that flows between our two countries every single day, including the significant trade and shipment of goods at the Cornwall-Massena Crossing. Our Government believes that the proposed US border fee would be bad for jobs and bad for the economy on both sides of the border. It would certainly have a very negative affect on all the progress we have made here in Canada on growing the economy and creating jobs.

A number of U.S. politicians whose districts are in Border States have already vocally opposed such a measure. Some of these opponents are in the President’s own party.  Even New York Congressman Bill Owens is opposed to this idea. I am sure all MPs in the opposition parties also oppose this action.

I am working hard, along with Prime Minister Harper and all Ministers to urge decision-makers in Washington to consider the damaging impact of this job-killing border fee. Indeed, this kind of fee has been proposed before and not enacted. We lobbied against the fee then, and we will continue to strongly make our case for open and free trade at the border. Anything that thickens the border is counter-productive to both Canada and the USA. It makes no sense to enact this fee hike.

That’s why the Harper Government is vigorously advocating against such a proposal – from Cabinet Ministers to Canada’s front-line diplomats.  We continue to work with the Obama Administration to implement the Beyond the Border Action Plan to improve the flow of people and goods across the border. That should continue to be our focus. And people in both countries will benefit.

Instead of this fee hike we should look at ways of facilitating trade and commerce between our two countries. I am fully aware that the Obama administration, like other governments, are looking at ways to increase revenue but I believe that this would have the opposite effect. All 165 Conservative Members of Parliament are strongly opposed to this proposal and we are sending a strong message to President Obama that this is a bad idea.

Guy Lauzon

Member of Parliament

Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry

This Act will help the police prevent terrorists from carrying out attacks. The legislation reinstates the investigative hearings and recognizance with conditions provision’s that expired in 2007. These investigative hearings facilitate the gathering of information that may be relevant to the investigation of past or future terrorism offences. The recognizance with conditions provision also provide more tools for combating terrorism by requiring a person to abide by certain conditions ensuring they cannot carry out a terrorist activity. Even though these measures have been intact for five years they have never been used or abused by law enforcement agencies. They are simply required to provide law enforcement with the tools they need to combat terrorism.

This Act also creates new offences of leaving or attempting to leave Canada to commit certain terrorism offences. For example, leaving or attempting to leave Canada to participate in any activity of a terrorist group, such as a terrorist training camp, will become a specific criminal offence with a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Further, this act imposes a maximum of 14 years imprisonment if a person leaves or attempts to leave Canada to facilitate a terrorist activity.

I believe that the law enforcement agencies in Canada require these measures in order to successfully combat terrorism within Canada. I am pleased that this important bill was swiftly passed. Canadian streets and families are safer from terrorism because of it.

Guy Lauzon

Member of Parliament

Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry

Thanks to this funding, the Stage will be able to carry out its Music and Workshop Series project. St. Lawrence Acoustic Stage Performances is a specialized series presenter based in the village community of Morrisburg, Ontario. The presenter’s programming focuses on acoustic guitar artists and singer songwriters performing in a variety of genres, including folk, fingerstyle, jazz, blues, roots and indie rock. The Stage usually presents nine to ten performances and two to three instrumental workshops per season. All activities take place at the Morrisburg Meeting Centre (172 seats). Projected expected attendance is 1,000 per year. This is a multi-year recommendation for fiscal years 2013-2014 and 2014-2015.

“This year marks the start of the five-year countdown to Canada’s 150^th birthday in 2017,” said Minister Moore. “Our Government is proud to invest in organizations like  that contribute to our collective identity and define who we are as Canadians. On the road to 2017, let us continue to celebrate all of the things that make Canada the united, prosperous, and free country we are today.”

“The Stage is a great opportunity for local residents and guests to experience how fortunate we are to have such a vibrant art and culture sector in our community,” said MP Lauzon. “It also provides a chance for new and emerging artist to hone their skills and gain important professional development opportunities.”

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $20,000 through the programming component of the Canada Arts Presentation Fund  of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This fund gives Canadians increased access to the variety and richness of Canada’s culture through professional arts festivals, presentations of live professional performances, and other artistic experiences.

Anyone who aspires to lead a country should, and, must welcome a review of his/her qualifications for the position of Prime Minister. During election campaigns, leaders of political parties present their qualifications to the Canadian electorate and ask for their votes. They travel back and forth across Canada explaining their policies, their experience, and their judgment on national issues. Canadian electors choose who they will vote for based in part on their assessment of the leader.

I had the occasion to congratulate Mr. Trudeau his first day back in the House. I think he is a nice man, a decent man, a good orator, but does he have the experience and judgment to lead a country? His work experience consists of brief periods in various jobs as a camp counselor, white water raft instructor, night club bouncer, and a manager of a nonprofit charity. Occasionally he also acted as a well-paid public speaker at various events across the country.

Prime Minister Harper’s record over the past 7 years includes successfully leading our country through the worst global recession in the past 70 years. Under the Prime Minister’s direction, our country has created over 900,000 jobs since July 2009, while lowering both corporate and personal income taxes. The Harper Government has supported Canadians by cutting taxes on numerous occasions, including cutting the GST. Since elected, the Prime Minister has also provided tax relief to families by establishing the $1200 per year child tax credit.

I believe that all Canadians should be aware of Mr. Trudeau’s experience and qualifications. It is important that Canadians compare them to those of the other Party Leaders before they go to the polls in 2015.

Guy Lauzon

Member of Parliament

Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry

There are a number of features included in Economic Action Plan 2013 that I think farmers will appreciate. The tax free capital gains exemption has been raised from $750,000 to $800,000. This will allow farmers to better plan for their retirement, as well as, facilitate the transfer of the family farm to a family member. Part-time farmers will also appreciate the doubling of the deduction for tax exempt farm income losses from $8,750 to $17,500.  Budget 2013 also invests $165 million in Genome Canada, whose research has helped develop new technology for the agriculture sector, like bovine genome, which has provided significant benefits to the cattle and dairy industries.

When I was first appointed as Parliamentary Secretary to Gerry Ritz, the Agriculture Minister, I expressed concern to him that I was somewhat apprehensive due to my limited knowledge of agriculture. The Ministers advice to me was “always put farmers first Guy, and you will never go wrong”. I guess this message also got to Minister Flaherty when you take a look at the action we have taken to support farmers in the past.

Since first elected in 2006, we have provided over $7 billion to farmers through a new suite of Business Risk Management programs, including AgriStability, AgriInsurance, AgriInvest, and AgriRecovery. Our Government also invested over $2.3 billion towards Growing Forward 2, which will invest in innovation, competitiveness and market development for Canada’s agricultural sector.  I am proud to state that we also established the AgriFlexibility Fund, which helps improve competitiveness and the sector’s ability to adapt to cost of production pressures. Another program we invested in was the Agricultural Innovation Program which supports the development and commercialization of new products, technologies, processes and services.  Further, we have invested $50 million to support increased slaughter capacity and $370 million to support the hog industry. And this only lists a few of our past initiatives!

I and my Conservative Caucus colleagues understand the very real challenges farmers’ face. This is why our Conservative Government will continue build on the support we provide to farmers.

Guy Lauzon

Member of Parliament

Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry

After being elected to form government in 2006, we set out to pay down our debt. Between 2006 and the beginning of the recession in 2008, we reduced our country’s overall debt by $37 million. In August of 2008 our national debt was at its lowest level in 25 years. When the recession hit during the summer of 2008, Canada was in a much better position than any other G7 country to deal with the worst global recession in over 70 years.

When the recession hit we made a deliberate decision to go into a temporary deficit to protect our economy and jobs. While other countries are struggling with out of control debt, Canada is in the best financial position of all G-7 countries. Our net debt to GDP ratio is 35.8 % – the lowest amongst the G-7. Germany is second at 58.4% and the average amongst the G-7 is 80.4%.

Our plan to get back to balanced budgets is working. We have reduced the deficit by over 50% in the past 2 years. Budget 2013 will build on the success we’ve had over the last two years. To reduce overall debt, our Government announced $1.7 billion in savings with Budget 2013. We will do this by examining departmental spending to ensure that government operations are managed as efficiently as possible.

We will also reduce travel expenses through the use of technology for remote meeting solutions like telepresence and video conferencing. Further, we will standardize government technology systems to reduce duplication, increase efficiency and save money. Tax loopholes will also be closed, ensuring everyone pays their fair share and taxes remain low and competitive. These actions should ensure that the deficit is in fact eliminated by 2015.

Guy Lauzon

Member of Parliament

Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry

The Canada Job Grant will ensure that Canadian workers are able to obtain the qualifications they need to get jobs in high-demand fields. The Grant could provide $15,000 or more per person, including a $5,000 federal contribution along with matching contributions from provinces and employers. Businesses with a plan to train a Canadian for an existing job or better job will be eligible to apply for the Canada Job Grant. When fully implemented, 130,000 Canadians are expected to be able to access the training they need to obtain full time employment or improve their skills. The Canada Job Grant will be introduced in 2014-15 as part of the renewal of the Federal-Provincial Labour Market Agreements.

Workers seeking an apprenticeship will also be pleased with Economic Action Plan 2013. To further reduce barriers to accreditation in the trades, the Government will work with the provinces to harmonize requirements for apprentices. We will examine the use of practical hands-on testing in certain trades. This will support more apprentices obtaining their licences and will encourage mobility across the country.

Other positive features of Economic Action Plan 2013 is the introduction of Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities by investing $222 million per year to better meet the employment needs of Canadian businesses and improve the employment prospects for people with disabilities. There will also be a reallocation of $19 million over 2 years to promote education in high-demand fields, including skilled trades, science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The Economic Action Plan also dedicates $70 million to support 5,000 paid internships for recent post- secondary graduates. Further, this budget commits $241 million over 5 years to improve the on-reserve Income Assistance Program to help aboriginal youth access skills and training to secure employment.

As you can see Economic Action Plan 2013 is about creating jobs, economic growth and long term prosperity for Canadian families and communities.

Guy Lauzon

Member of Parliament

Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry

During my pre-budget consultations, I received overwhelming feedback that my constituents across SD & SG want to see a plan focused on job creation and economic growth, while returning to balanced budgets. I am happy to announce the budget is doing just that by connecting Canadians with available jobs, building on our unprecedented investments in infrastructure, and helping key job creators like manufacturers and businesses succeed. The Plan, which will see Canada return to balanced budgets in 2015, keeps federal taxes at their lowest level in 50 years.

We are taking action to create jobs by increasing skills and training support with the new Canada Job Grant which will help more Canadians get high-quality, well-paying jobs. Under the new Grant, Canadians will be able to qualify for up to $15,000 per person to get the skills and training for in-demand jobs. Even better, the Grant will directly connect employers looking for skilled workers with Canadians who want to fill those jobs.

Our Plan also helps businesses succeed by encouraging manufacturers to invest in new equipment, extending the “hiring credit” for small business, and by making strategic investments in world class research and innovation. Economic Action Plan 2013 also includes the largest federal investment in job-creating infrastructure in Canadian history – $53 billion over 10 years. This investment will help build and repair roads, bridges, subways, rail, and much more in communities across Canada.

Our plan also provides more tax relief to Canadians by eliminating Consumer Tariffs on babies’ clothes, sporting goods and exercise equipment. In total, this will provide $76 million in tariff relief for Canadian consumers.  Budget 2013 introduces a temporary First-Time Donor’s Tax Credit to encourage more Canadians, and those who have not donated recently, to give to charities. This incentive will expand the charitable sector’s donor base, and will provide $25 million in annual tax relief.

Economic Action Plan 2013 provides support to Veterans by enhancing the Funeral and Burial Program by simplifying the program for veterans’ estates, and, by more than doubling the current reimbursement rate from $3,600 to $7,376. Further, we are supporting our farmers by increasing and indexing the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemptions to $800,000 from $750,000. We will be helping part- time farmers, by doubling the current deduction limit under restricted farm loss income tax rules from $8,750 to $17,500.

Economic Action Plan 2013 will support the communities of SD & SG through the Community Improvement Fund. This fund will provide municipalities with $32.2 billion over 10 years through Gas Tax Fund payments and under the incremental GST Rebate for municipalities, to provide stable and predictable funding to support community infrastructure projects that will improve the quality of life of Canadian families.

Since the depth of the recession, we have created over 950,000 net new jobs due to our Economic Action Plan. I am confident this budget will build on the strong economic foundation we laid, by creating jobs, growth and long- term prosperity for the families and communities of SD & SG.

Guy Lauzon

Member of Parliament

Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry

“While conducting pre-budget consultations throughout the communities of SD & SG, I received overwhelming feedback that my constituents want to see a plan focused on job creation and economic growth, while returning to balanced budgets,” said Lauzon, “I am happy to announce the budget is doing just that by connecting Canadians with available jobs, building on our unprecedented investments in infrastructure, and helping key job creators like manufacturers and businesses succeed.”

MP Lauzon outlined that Economic Action Plan 2013 includes key measures to strengthen Canada`s economy, including:

• Increased skills and training support, including the $15,000 Canada Job Grant, to help more Canadians find high-quality, well-paying jobs;
• Tax breaks for manufacturers who buy new machinery and equipment to stay competitive, and an extended  ‘hiring credit’ for small businesses who create jobs;
• A record $53 billion federal investment in infrastructure across Canada, including roads, bridges, subways, rail lines, and ports;
• Major investments in research and technology;
• New tax relief for Canadians who give to charity, adopt a child, or rely on homecare services;
• Elimination of ‘import tax’ tariffs on everyday items Canadian families buy, like baby clothing, sport gear, and exercise equipment;
• Implementing economic initiatives to reduce delays at the border, including upgrading border infrastructure, installing border wait- time technology at key ports of entry, reducing red tape, and implementing pilot projects to automate small and remote ports of entry, which will increase hours of operation.
• Providing Via Rail with $54.7 million to support operations, and investing an additional $58.2 million over five years to support  existing passenger services to ensure Via Rail can maintain their services to remote communities;
• Providing support to Canada’s farmers by increasing and indexing the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemptions to $800,000 from $750,000;
• Helping part- time farmers, by doubling the current deduction limit under restricted farm loss income tax rules from $8,750 to $17,500.
• Supporting and honouring veterans by enhancing the Funeral and Burial Program by simplifying it and more than doubling the current funeral services reimbursement rate from $3,600 to $7,376.
• And much more.

“Since the depth of the recession, we have created over 950,000 net new jobs due to our Economic Action Plan”, said Lauzon, “I am confident this budget will build on the strong economic foundation we laid, by creating jobs, growth and long- term prosperity for the families and communities of SD & SG”

However, while the economy continues to grow and create jobs, our recovery remains fragile due to threats abroad. This is why the Conservative Government will focus on implementing the next phase of our Economic Action Plan.