"Conducting politics in a new way,
is like a breath of fresh air"

Ottawa (June 2, 2006) -- Ed Komarnicki, MP, (Souris-Moose Mountain).

Prime Minister Stephen Harper has shown that he is a leader that can get things done. It’s a no nonsense approach to governing that most Canadians appreciate. Canadians are beginning to see a perceptible change in direction in a relatively short period of time. “It is quite something these days to make election promises and actually carry them out”, said Komarnicki. “Set election date legislation and fixed terms for Senators is yet another step of simple but fundamental change that has not been tackled by anyone. Most people I have talked to find such change refreshing and welcome.

In a short period of time the Prime Minister has introduced the Federal Accountability Act, a budget providing for a 1% reduction in GST, $1,200 per year per child under 6, and various tax incentives for workers and ordinary Canadians.

An end to the ill-conceived long gun registry, that many in Western Canada feel should have been scrapped a long time ago, will be introduced by way of a Bill in the coming months. In the meantime, license renewal fees have been waived with refunds for any payments made, and a one year amnesty to protect owners of non registered non-restricted firearms from prosecution.

Legislation has been introduced for mandatory minimum sentences for serious crime, for raising the age of consent from 14 to 16, for tougher sentences for street racing, providing $161 Million for 1,000 more RCMP officers and federal prosecutors, allocation of $101 Million to begin arming border officials and eliminating ‘work alone’ posts and settling on a contract for correctional officers that had been under negotiation for more than 4 years.

Although more is required, welcome changes are being made to the Agriculture program by adding $1.5 Billion to the Budget, increasing interest free spring loan advances from $50,000 to $100,000 and the overall limit of advances from $250,000 to $400,000 with an extension of the repayment period to September 30, 2007. The inventory valuation calculation will be adjusted retroactively for 2003, 2004, 2005 and the eligibility criteria for negative margin coverage under CAIS will be expanded. “Even though CAIS must go, these interim enhancements are a welcome addition to the present benefits. Something that all farmers will be appreciative of is that claw backs will not occur when adjustments are made.” said Komarnicki.

“But the two changes most everyone should welcome”, said Komarniki “is the legislation for set election dates and the commencement of Senate reform.” The legislation provides for fixed election dates on the 3rd Monday in October in the 4th calander year following the last general election. Subject to the uncertainties of a minority government the next election under the Bill is set for Monday October 19, 2009. “I think”, said Komarnicki, “that most Canadians are ready for election dates being fixed rather than manipulated by politicians for political advantage. Limiting the tenure of Senators to 8 years, coupled with Prime Ministerial appointments of elected Senators is a good first step in reflecting changes that many Canadians would like to see in the Senate.”