News from Ottawa
Canada’s Leadership in Space
September 2nd, 2010
On Thursday, Ministers Gary Goodyear and Josée Verner announced that veteran astronaut Colonel Chris Hadfield will be the first-ever Canadian to command the International Space Station.
Canadians are proud of our accomplishments in space as our country was the third nation in space. Our astronauts have participated in 15 space missions – more than any country other than the United States and Russia. And the world-famous Canadarm was designed, developed and built in Canada. Our achievements serve as inspiration for young Canadians to pursue studies in science and engineering.
Space exploration and development is a strategic asset and absolutely critical to the delivery of some of our Government’s key goals. Under the strong leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Conservatives are taking action for Canada’s sovereignty, safety and security, sustainable management and the development of our natural resources.
To ensure that Canada maintains its strong position in this important field, our Conservative Government is investing $497 million in the Canadian space industry to develop the RADARSAT Constellation Mission, the next generation of advanced radar remote sensing satellites.
The Harper Government is taking action to support space exploration and development because it drives cutting-edge research, promotes technological excellence and strengthens our economy.
Original article: http://www.conservative.ca/press/other_stories/canada_s_leadership_in_space
Conservatives are Keeping Canada’s CF-18 Fighters Action-Ready
September 1st, 2010
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced that our Conservative Government will extend the contract to maintain Canada’s fleet of 78 CF-18 fighter jets until Canada’s next generation fighter capability becomes operational. Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence joined the Prime Minister at the announcement.
The men and women of the Canada’s Armed Forces risk their lives every day defending our sovereignty at home and performing missions abroad. That’s why Conservatives are committed to providing the Canadian Armed Forces with the tools and equipment needed to get the job done.
For the better part of three decades, the CF-18s have provided excellent and reliable service defending Canadian skies. Since 1982 Canada’s squadron of CF-18s has played key roles in patrolling Canadian airspace, as well as contributing to Canada’s international commitments abroad.
Our Government is continuing to stand up for the Armed Forces by laying the groundwork for procurement of the next generation of fighter jets. At the same time, we must ensure our CF-18s can continue to do the job we need them to do until the F-35s are ready to fly.
Today’s announcement delivers secure jobs and extensive economic benefits to the greater Montreal area. It is also another example of our commitment to ensure best value and results for Canadians.
Through the Canada First Defence Strategy, our Conservative Government is providing our Armed Forces with the right equipment to do the difficult and demanding jobs Canadians ask them to do.
Original article: http://www.conservative.ca/press/other_stories/conservatives_are_keeping_canada_s_cf-18_fighters_action-ready
Conservatives Take Action for Canada’s Seniors
August 31st, 2010
On Tuesday, Diane Ablonczy, Canada’s Minister of State for Seniors, visited a Calgary seniors’ group to announce that our Conservative Government is now accepting proposals for local, community-based projects to provide opportunities for older Canadians to contribute skills, experience, and lifetimes of practical wisdom in support of communities all across the country. Similar events were held at seniors’ centres across Canada by Minister Verner and Senator Fortin-Duplessis, Senator Lang, as well as Member of Parliament Tilly O’Neill-Gordon.
Under the New Horizons for Seniors Program, our Government is making a difference for seniors who are looking to improve the social well-being of neighbourhoods through local volunteering projects.
Our Government has a long record of standing up for Canadian seniors, including:
- Creating the position of Minister of State for Seniors to bring the concerns of older Canadians to the Cabinet table;
- Providing $2.3 billion annually in tax relief to seniors and pensioners through measures such as pension income splitting and increasing the Age Credit – twice;
- Standing up against elder abuse in all its forms by introducing the Federal Elder Abuse Awareness Initiative; and
- Establishing a National Seniors Day which we will celebrate every October 1st, coinciding with the UN’s International Day of Older Persons.
Canada’s seniors worked hard and contributed so much to the Canada we know and love. Seniors deserve our gratitude and respect. That’s why Conservatives are proud to stand up for seniors and take action to ensure that our policies, programs and services continue to reward the hard work of the folks who built our country.
Original article: http://www.conservative.ca/press/other_stories/conservatives_take_action_for_canada_s_seniors