YORKTON – With the 1st Session of the 39th Parliament now in summer recess, Garry Breitkreuz, M.P. for Yorkton-Melville says the federal government has moved several essential files forward in the past year.

Minority government situations often create a challenging environment for moving legislation through the political system, but this government has met with considerable success in keeping the wheels turning. The current government has already passed twice as much legislation as the Liberal minority government.

“With a minority government, it’s more difficult to pass the bills that you really want and need,” says Breitkreuz, who was first elected to Parliament in 1993. “We’ve managed to work on several justice bills that will make Canadians safer. We introduced the Taxpayers Bill of Rights with an ombudsman to assist persons with a tax dispute. And, we made strides in agricultural funding and the Canadian Wheat Board that is good news to farmers.”

The government introduced incentives to develop biofuels that could reinforce the agricultural sector. In March, the government committed $1 billion to replace the Canadian Agriculture Income Stabilization (CAIS) program with incentives that are more predictable and responsive to the challenges faced by farm families today.

In a plebiscite held earlier this year, 62 per cent of barley producers voted to remove the Canadian Wheat Board’s monopoly on barley sales. The board regulations have since been amended to remove its monopoly on barley. As of August 1, Canadian barley farmers have the freedom to market their own crops.

“The federal government has also provided an additional $1,200 per year in family support in the budget,” adds Breitkreuz. “In addition, we increased the tax credit for seniors by $1,000 and allowed pension income-splitting for couples. I think seniors are also enjoying the reduction in GST. There’s still a lot more to do, but we’ve hit the ground running since we took office.”

On June 19, Breitkreuz led the House of Commons debate on second reading of Bill C-21, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Firearms Act. He has been opposed to the national rifle and shotgun registry since its inception in 1995. Bill C-21 would scrap the long gun registry if it passes.

“Most of my work has been done behind the scenes and as the chair of the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security,” explains Breitkreuz. “The intense schedule and long hours this session have been rewarded by the federal government doing more for agriculture and Saskatchewan than ever before. Being in government is challenging, but my experience has been helpful in getting things done.”

Tax freedom day – the annual threshold when taxpayers stop paying taxes and begin earning for themselves – came fours days earlier this year. Breitkreuz predicts it will come even earlier next year in response to the government’s plan to reduce taxes and spend responsibly.

The representative for Yorkton-Melville says the Senate of Canada is becoming more dysfunctional than ever. Important crime-fighting legislation is being held up by Senators who were appointed by the previous government. Liberal leader Stéphane Dion made matters worse by first instructing Senators to pass the 2007 budget, and then flip-flopping by telling them it’s a free vote. The Liberals and the NDP voted against the budget in the House of Commons that would deliver a record-breaking $878 million to Saskatchewan.

Opposition members have also pushed for greenhouse gas emission controls that reflect levels in the Kyoto Accord. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Stephen Harper has committed to realistic emission controls that won’t disable the economy.

The federal government has transferred a lot of money directly to municipalities, but it expects the provinces and territories to fund them as well.

“It’s been an interesting and productive session,” says Breitkreuz. “Many members of the media have been critical of the Conservative government, but I believe the message is sinking in that we’re doing a pretty good job.

“I’m hoping we can restore some decorum and old-fashioned good manners in Question Period next fall so Canadians can concentrate on issues instead of antics,” he adds. “It’s time to make Canadians proud of the institution that plays such an important role in their everyday lives.”

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