Post by achebeautiful on Apr 4, 2006 16:44:42 GMT -5
"New government pledges tax cut, crime crackdown"
By David Ljunggren and Cameron French
OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canada's new minority Conservative government on Tuesday renewed its pledge to cut the federal sales tax, clean up government and crack down on crime as it set out priorities for its term in office.
In a speech that reiterated promises the Conservatives made during the election campaign, the government also pledged to deliver "fiscally responsible budgets," give money to parents for child care, and work with the provinces to guarantee health care would be delivered in a reasonable time.
A fresh election will be triggered if the policy speech, known as the Speech from the Throne, is voted down. But opposition leaders have made clear that they had no plans to topple the Conservatives for now.
"Leading change in a minority Parliament means working together," the speech said.
The government also said Parliament would be asked to review key federal legislation, including the Bank Act, as required under law.
The Conservatives were elected on January 23, ending more than 12 years of Liberal rule, amid voter unease at corruption and misuse of government funds.
"The trust of citizens must be earned every day. The government will work to earn that trust," the speech said.
In a formality, the speech was read by Governor General Michaelle Jean, who represents Canada's head of state, Queen Elizabeth II. But it reflects Conservative plans and was drafted by Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
The opposition is to put forward an amendment and sub-amendment to the speech on Wednesday with votes scheduled for Thursday and next Monday.
The final vote on the speech is scheduled for April 24.
Harper had consulted at length with opposition leaders before putting forward his policy speech, consulting in particular the heads of the two smallest parties, the Bloc Quebecois and New Democrats.
The speech promised to help provinces meet their financial needs as well as to allow the government of Quebec to play a role in UNESCO -- both key demands of the Bloc Quebecois, which seeks independence for the French-speaking province.
It also pledged to submit significant international treaties to Parliament for a vote.
By David Ljunggren and Cameron French
OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canada's new minority Conservative government on Tuesday renewed its pledge to cut the federal sales tax, clean up government and crack down on crime as it set out priorities for its term in office.
In a speech that reiterated promises the Conservatives made during the election campaign, the government also pledged to deliver "fiscally responsible budgets," give money to parents for child care, and work with the provinces to guarantee health care would be delivered in a reasonable time.
A fresh election will be triggered if the policy speech, known as the Speech from the Throne, is voted down. But opposition leaders have made clear that they had no plans to topple the Conservatives for now.
"Leading change in a minority Parliament means working together," the speech said.
The government also said Parliament would be asked to review key federal legislation, including the Bank Act, as required under law.
The Conservatives were elected on January 23, ending more than 12 years of Liberal rule, amid voter unease at corruption and misuse of government funds.
"The trust of citizens must be earned every day. The government will work to earn that trust," the speech said.
In a formality, the speech was read by Governor General Michaelle Jean, who represents Canada's head of state, Queen Elizabeth II. But it reflects Conservative plans and was drafted by Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
The opposition is to put forward an amendment and sub-amendment to the speech on Wednesday with votes scheduled for Thursday and next Monday.
The final vote on the speech is scheduled for April 24.
Harper had consulted at length with opposition leaders before putting forward his policy speech, consulting in particular the heads of the two smallest parties, the Bloc Quebecois and New Democrats.
The speech promised to help provinces meet their financial needs as well as to allow the government of Quebec to play a role in UNESCO -- both key demands of the Bloc Quebecois, which seeks independence for the French-speaking province.
It also pledged to submit significant international treaties to Parliament for a vote.
