Canadian families have been facing the challenges created by the global recession for more than a year.

Some businesses have seen sales decline and costs increase, which puts pressure on workers and their families. But as Canadian families stare down these challenges, Canada’s future is looking brighter. There is positive economic news surfacing now, and coupled with the strong foundation of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, we are better positioned to enjoy a more prosperous tomorrow.

As we prepare the next federal budget, this government is continuing to strengthen Canada’s economy.

Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, our government is delivering support for families, while strengthening businesses and communities.

Self-employed Canadians have been sometimes forced to set aside priorities like raising a family in order to achieve success. That’s why we are helping to give self-employed Canadians additional security by delivering voluntary access to Employment Insurance special benefits. This includes maternity, parental, sickness and compassionate care benefits. Older workers may also face unique challenges, especially if they have lost their jobs after several continuous years of employment. We are working to help them by increasing EI benefits for those who are eligible by an additional five to 20 weeks.

While the economy remains top of mind during the global recession, crime prevention continues to be a key issue for many Canadians. Protecting families has always been a priority for us, and we are working to deliver new anti-crime measures that will make our streets safer.

We’ve recently passed a new law to end the practice of 2-for-1 and 3-for-1 credit for time served. We’ve worked to bring in tough new laws to ensure that criminals who commit serious crimes receive just sentences. Now, we are working to build on that action by introducing legislation to end Accelerated Parole Review. Until now, convicted criminals have had the opportunity to get out of jail after only serving one-sixth of their sentence through this process. Our Conservative government is getting tough on crime by ending this all-too-common practice.

Meanwhile, the Liberals are so out-of-touch with Canadians that they used their majority in the Senate to block our legislation that would protect children from drug dealers. Proroguing Parliament is helping to bring Senate committees back to earth so our government can pass effective laws that will keep families safe.

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