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This Message Is Reprinted Under The FAIR USE
Doctrine Of International Copyright Law:
_http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.html_
(http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.html)
************************************************** ******************
FROM: THE MONTREAL GAZETTE NEWSPAPER WEBSITE
_http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/story.html?id=0cfeabd1-45cd-475f-b56c-c
b6e474c5efe_
(http://www.canada.com/montrealgazett...c-cb6e474c5efe)
Throne Speech Transcript
(http://ad.ca.doubleclick.net/click;h=v5|33be|0|0|*|r;22776839;0-0;0;12203972;237-250|250;13004287|13022183|1;;~sscs=?http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette
/subscribe/gazettelanding.html)
The Canadian Press
Published: Tuesday, April 04, 2006
A transcript of the speech from the throne, delivered by Gov. Gen. Michaelle
Jean on Tuesday:
As the representative of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, I am honoured to
welcome the newly elected members of the House of Commons on the occasion of the
opening of the First Session of the 39th Parliament of Canada. Canadians
rejoice in the coming 80th birthday of Her Majesty later this month, and in her
more than 50 years of service as Queen of Canada.
Since my appointment as Governor General of Canada, I have had the privilege
of meeting women and men who each and every day, and each in their own way,
reaffirm their attachment to this vast land that we share and where people
from around the world have found a home. Women and men of ideas, conviction and
action who have an abiding sense of responsibility, solidarity and commitment
to their neighbourhoods, to their communities and to their country. And I am
moved to see just how strong and vibrant a country we are.
I have been particularly struck by the words of our young people and by their
wealth of ideas. Young people who are looking to carve out their place and
be heard. The new generation of aboriginal entrepreneurs who are creating new
opportunities. Young people in our Canadian Forces who, through their
extraordinary efforts, offer a promise of hope for the oppressed. More than ever,
our young people represent not only the promise of a brighter future, but also
the vitality of our present.
I have met with people from our two great linguistic communities and I can
attest that our linguistic duality is a tremendous asset for the country.
Similarly, Canadian artists from all disciplines have confirmed to me just how
important creative expression is to the health of a democratic society.
And I have heard from Canadians who feel they often lack a voice. Women who
are victims of violence. Families newly arrived in Canada who seek to
contribute to our society and our country's collective well-being.
Listening to citizens from all walks of life has strengthened my already deep
conviction that we are living in a country where everything is possible,
where each of us is free to follow his or her dreams but also has a duty to help
build our country and prepare it for the challenges that lie ahead.
On Jan. 23, the Canadian people elected a new government. The government is
honoured by the responsibility it has been given for managing the affairs of
our great country.
Canada is uniquely blessed in the strength and diversity of its people and
regions. Through hard work, foresight and good fortune, we have come together
to make our vast country one of the most successful the world has ever seen.
The distance we have travelled is remarkable. A country once perceived to be
at the edge of the world is now at the leading edge of science, business, the
arts and sport. Whether it is on the podium in Turin, on the rugged hills of
Afghanistan, or in the bustling markets of Asia, Canadians demonstrate time
and time again that they are leaders.
The government is proud of what Canadians have accomplished so far, and is
inspired by the country's bright prospects. It believes in the capacity of
Canadians to seize the enormous opportunities before them and build an even
stronger Canada, striving for excellence, anchored by enduring values, and
infused with growing confidence that they can make a difference at home and in the
world.
In support of building a stronger Canada, the government's agenda will be
clear and focused. It will clean up government, provide real support to ordinary
working families and strengthen our federation as well as our role in the
world.
Canadians have chosen change. They want a government that treats their tax
dollars with respect. A government that puts ordinary working people and their
families first. A government that is accountable.
This government has been given a mandate to lead the change demanded by the
Canadian people.
Leading change in a minority Parliament means working together. To this end,
the government will look for shared goals and common ideas that will help
Canadians build a stronger Canada.
It is time to turn a new leaf.
No aspect of responsible government is more fundamental than having the trust
of citizens. Canadians' faith in the institutions and practices of
government has been eroded. This new government trusts in the Canadian people, and its
goal is that Canadians will once again trust in their government. It is time
for accountability.
To restore this trust, the first piece of legislation the government will
bring forward will be the Federal Accountability Act.
This omnibus legislation and the associated Accountability Action Plan will
change the current system of oversight and management by strengthening the
rules and institutions that ensure transparency and accountability to Canadians.
The legislation will ban institutional and large personal donations to
political parties; it will ensure that positions of public trust cannot be used as
stepping stones to private lobbying; and it will provide real protection for
whistle-blowers who show great courage in coming forward to do what is
right.
The government will strengthen the capacity and independence of officers of
Parliament, including the auditor general, to hold the government to account.
It will increase the transparency of appointments, contracts and auditing
within government departments and Crown corporations.
Effective checks and balances are important, but they are not enough. The
trust of citizens must be earned every day. The government will work to earn
that trust.
This government believes that Canadians pay too much in tax. The government's
tax plan will, over time, reduce the tax burden on all Canadians.
To this end, the government will reduce the goods-and-services tax by one per
cent. Cutting the GST will help all Canadians deal with the rising cost of
living, put money back in people's pockets and help stimulate the economy.
Cutting the GST is the best way to lower taxes for all Canadians, including
low-income Canadians who need it most.
The government will continue with a responsible approach to lowering taxes
for the benefit of Canadians and the Canadian economy, including a further
reduction of the GST to five per cent.
Canadians have always taken pride in our low crime rates. Safe streets have
long characterized Canada's communities, from villages to towns to cities.
Safe communities allow families and businesses to prosper.
Unfortunately, our safe streets and healthy communities are increasingly
under threat of gun, gang and drug violence.
This government will tackle crime. It will propose changes to the Criminal
cont....
This Message Is Reprinted Under The FAIR USE
Doctrine Of International Copyright Law:
_http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.html_
(http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.html)
************************************************** ******************
FROM: THE MONTREAL GAZETTE NEWSPAPER WEBSITE
_http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/story.html?id=0cfeabd1-45cd-475f-b56c-c
b6e474c5efe_
(http://www.canada.com/montrealgazett...c-cb6e474c5efe)
Throne Speech Transcript
(http://ad.ca.doubleclick.net/click;h=v5|33be|0|0|*|r;22776839;0-0;0;12203972;237-250|250;13004287|13022183|1;;~sscs=?http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette
/subscribe/gazettelanding.html)
The Canadian Press
Published: Tuesday, April 04, 2006
A transcript of the speech from the throne, delivered by Gov. Gen. Michaelle
Jean on Tuesday:
As the representative of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, I am honoured to
welcome the newly elected members of the House of Commons on the occasion of the
opening of the First Session of the 39th Parliament of Canada. Canadians
rejoice in the coming 80th birthday of Her Majesty later this month, and in her
more than 50 years of service as Queen of Canada.
Since my appointment as Governor General of Canada, I have had the privilege
of meeting women and men who each and every day, and each in their own way,
reaffirm their attachment to this vast land that we share and where people
from around the world have found a home. Women and men of ideas, conviction and
action who have an abiding sense of responsibility, solidarity and commitment
to their neighbourhoods, to their communities and to their country. And I am
moved to see just how strong and vibrant a country we are.
I have been particularly struck by the words of our young people and by their
wealth of ideas. Young people who are looking to carve out their place and
be heard. The new generation of aboriginal entrepreneurs who are creating new
opportunities. Young people in our Canadian Forces who, through their
extraordinary efforts, offer a promise of hope for the oppressed. More than ever,
our young people represent not only the promise of a brighter future, but also
the vitality of our present.
I have met with people from our two great linguistic communities and I can
attest that our linguistic duality is a tremendous asset for the country.
Similarly, Canadian artists from all disciplines have confirmed to me just how
important creative expression is to the health of a democratic society.
And I have heard from Canadians who feel they often lack a voice. Women who
are victims of violence. Families newly arrived in Canada who seek to
contribute to our society and our country's collective well-being.
Listening to citizens from all walks of life has strengthened my already deep
conviction that we are living in a country where everything is possible,
where each of us is free to follow his or her dreams but also has a duty to help
build our country and prepare it for the challenges that lie ahead.
On Jan. 23, the Canadian people elected a new government. The government is
honoured by the responsibility it has been given for managing the affairs of
our great country.
Canada is uniquely blessed in the strength and diversity of its people and
regions. Through hard work, foresight and good fortune, we have come together
to make our vast country one of the most successful the world has ever seen.
The distance we have travelled is remarkable. A country once perceived to be
at the edge of the world is now at the leading edge of science, business, the
arts and sport. Whether it is on the podium in Turin, on the rugged hills of
Afghanistan, or in the bustling markets of Asia, Canadians demonstrate time
and time again that they are leaders.
The government is proud of what Canadians have accomplished so far, and is
inspired by the country's bright prospects. It believes in the capacity of
Canadians to seize the enormous opportunities before them and build an even
stronger Canada, striving for excellence, anchored by enduring values, and
infused with growing confidence that they can make a difference at home and in the
world.
In support of building a stronger Canada, the government's agenda will be
clear and focused. It will clean up government, provide real support to ordinary
working families and strengthen our federation as well as our role in the
world.
Canadians have chosen change. They want a government that treats their tax
dollars with respect. A government that puts ordinary working people and their
families first. A government that is accountable.
This government has been given a mandate to lead the change demanded by the
Canadian people.
Leading change in a minority Parliament means working together. To this end,
the government will look for shared goals and common ideas that will help
Canadians build a stronger Canada.
It is time to turn a new leaf.
No aspect of responsible government is more fundamental than having the trust
of citizens. Canadians' faith in the institutions and practices of
government has been eroded. This new government trusts in the Canadian people, and its
goal is that Canadians will once again trust in their government. It is time
for accountability.
To restore this trust, the first piece of legislation the government will
bring forward will be the Federal Accountability Act.
This omnibus legislation and the associated Accountability Action Plan will
change the current system of oversight and management by strengthening the
rules and institutions that ensure transparency and accountability to Canadians.
The legislation will ban institutional and large personal donations to
political parties; it will ensure that positions of public trust cannot be used as
stepping stones to private lobbying; and it will provide real protection for
whistle-blowers who show great courage in coming forward to do what is
right.
The government will strengthen the capacity and independence of officers of
Parliament, including the auditor general, to hold the government to account.
It will increase the transparency of appointments, contracts and auditing
within government departments and Crown corporations.
Effective checks and balances are important, but they are not enough. The
trust of citizens must be earned every day. The government will work to earn
that trust.
This government believes that Canadians pay too much in tax. The government's
tax plan will, over time, reduce the tax burden on all Canadians.
To this end, the government will reduce the goods-and-services tax by one per
cent. Cutting the GST will help all Canadians deal with the rising cost of
living, put money back in people's pockets and help stimulate the economy.
Cutting the GST is the best way to lower taxes for all Canadians, including
low-income Canadians who need it most.
The government will continue with a responsible approach to lowering taxes
for the benefit of Canadians and the Canadian economy, including a further
reduction of the GST to five per cent.
Canadians have always taken pride in our low crime rates. Safe streets have
long characterized Canada's communities, from villages to towns to cities.
Safe communities allow families and businesses to prosper.
Unfortunately, our safe streets and healthy communities are increasingly
under threat of gun, gang and drug violence.
This government will tackle crime. It will propose changes to the Criminal
cont....
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