In response to a recent article in the Collingwood Enterprise-Bulletin, our Conservative Government has worked hard to make Canada an island of stability in these tough economic times. To this end, it is not only important to continue with our plan for Canada’s long term growth and prosperity, but it is essential that we continue to keep Canadians updated on our actions dealing with the Canadian economy.

Mailings are an important method of communication between my office and the constituents we serve in Simcoe-Grey. These mailings are one of the most cost effective and efficient methods to keep local residents informed on the agenda of the federal government.

By continuing to reach out to Simcoe-Grey residents, I am seeking the input and feedback of constituents so that I may more effectively represent our local communities – and I will continue to seek this input throughout my term in office.

In these tough economic times, it is important to ensure the prosperity of Canadians and the stability of the Canadian economy. Our Government has asked all federal departments, as well as MPs, to do their respective parts in decreasing the federal budget.

Balanced budgets and low levels of public debt are critical to Canada’s long-term growth and prosperity. That is why our Government has aggressively reduced the federal debt by nearly $40 billion in its first three years in office.

Our Government is strongly committed to returning to balanced budgets in the medium term. This will help ensure fairness and equity for future generations of Canadians, by avoiding future tax increases or reductions in government services.

Budget 2012 set out a comprehensive agenda to bolster Canada’s fundamental strengths and address the important challenges facing the economy over the long term.

The new savings measures announced in Budget 2012 build on the plan for returning to balanced budgets set out in Budget 2010, and augmented in Budget 2011. The Government’s review of departmental spending will yield savings of $5.2 billion on an ongoing basis.

As a result of the various measures set out in Budget 2012 and in previous budgets, the federal debt, measured in relation to the size of the economy, is projected to decline to 28.5% in 2016-17, in line with its pre-recession level.

Dr. Kellie Leitch

Member of Parliament, Simcoe-Grey