The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
CanadaÕs government is focusing on the priorities of Canadians. A recent report from the OECD recognizes that CanadaÕs economic strengths and its policy recommendations largely accord with the direction our government is taking. We are lowering taxes, reducing debt and investing in people, knowledge and communities. Parliament has now passed Bill C-50, which implements key measures of the 2008 budget such as the new Tax-Free Savings Account, a modern immigration system, more front line police officers, additional investments in public transit and further support for post-secondary students. This legislation will better position Canada to compete in the global economy. The Tax Free Savings Account, which comes into effect January 1, 2009, is the most important personal savings vehicle since the RRSP. This flexible, registered, general-purpose account will allow Canadians to watch their savings grow, tax-free. Bill C-50 also invests in people by modernizing the immigration system. The objective is to create a system that will allow more immigrants into the country sooner Ð whether itÕs getting families reunited faster or getting skilled workers to work sooner. Our government recognizes the importance of education, so we are investing in a new consolidated Canada Student Grant Program which will take effect in the fall of 2009. This major investment of $350 million in 2009-10 will rise to $430 million in 2012-13. Going forward, all federal grants will be integrated into one program that will provide more effective support to more students for more years of study, assisting Canadian families who struggle with the cost of higher education. Canadian students and their families need simple, effective financial assistance programs. That is why we have also committed $123 million over four years starting in 2009-10 to streamline and modernize the Canada Student Loans Program. Improvements will include expanded online services to help students better manage their loans, and more equitable supports for part-time and married students. Bill C-50 contains other important measures, including support for the provinces and territories to recruit 2,500 new front-line police officers and investments in public transit infrastructure. Our government shares CanadiansÕ desire for a better and more prosperous Canada. Bill C-50 is part of our vision to achieve that goal.
