LaVar Payne

On May 2nd Canadians elected a stable majority Conservative government and Parliament was called back into session on June 2nd with the Speech from the Throne. The Speech outlined the plans of our Conservative government to continue to support Canada’s next steps in our economic recovery, as outlined in the 2011 Budget. This 2011 Budget was, for the most part, the same budget we presented prior to the election and was part of our Election Platform.
Some important elements of this Budget were developed to ensure that we keep taxes low for seniors, individuals and businesses. For seniors we included an increase for those at the lowest end of the income scale, with an increase in the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS).  Single seniors could receive up to an additional $600 and couples up to $840 annually.  Taxes will remain low for individuals and businesses.  The Budget, passed by the House of Commons and the Senate in June, has become law and allows for targeted seniors to receive those increases beginning in July.
In addition, we included the renewal of the ecoEnergy program totalling $400 million dollars, from June, 2011 to March 31st, 2012. This program was very popular in our 2009 Budget which funded the program for 2 years. The program was very rapidly over-subscribed and funding for 2010 was allocated by March, 2010. The renewal of the program was very well received by the public as well as numerous organizations. People can receive up to $5,000 to improve the energy efficiency of their homes and individuals must register directly in the program before having an evaluation done on their homes. Once approved, receipts must be kept to show that the work has been completed as per the evaluation process.  For details on the ecoEnergy Program, go to the government website at  HYPERLINK "http://www.nrcan.gc.ca" www.nrcan.gc.ca and follow the links to get the specific information you require.
The Speech from the Throne also included plans to ensure our economic growth, and the safety and security of Canada and our citizens. The opposition parties had prevented passage through the House of the proposed anti-crime legislation.  The Prime Minister has indicated we will bring back this anti-crime legislation to be passed within 100 days of our return in the fall session which will commence this September.
The Long Gun Registry legislation passed by a Liberal government will be repealed this fall, as promised. The registry, which was to have only cost $2 million dollars has cost taxpayers an estimated $2 billion dollars.  Requests continue almost daily by our farmers, ranchers, hunters and concerned people about when this legislation will be repealed and am pleased to tell you that we will keep our promise.
This new session of Parliament brings some very positive changes to our Federal Government and I am pleased to have been newly appointed to the Standing Committee for Agriculture and continue to serve on Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Standing Committee. We have held meetings to appoint the Chairs and Vice Chairs of these committees and are working on the various concerns in each of these areas.
Over the past few weeks I have travelled throughout the riding and talked with many people at various events my wife and I have attended.  I will continue to represent you as your strong voice in the Alberta Caucus and the National Caucus and as a member on these Standing Committees. I am both humbled and honoured to be your federal representative and will continue to work hard for all of you.