Bob Nault – A look back at 2016

KENORA – Another year has come and gone and what an exciting and challenging year it was. Our government completed its first full year in office and with that came some important announcements and decisions. Here’s a look back at what we accomplished last year.

The spring of 2016 saw one of our biggest promises kept and that was the unveiling of the new Canada Child Benefit. As I’ve mentioned before, it was a tremendous undertaking that means that nine out of 10 Canadian families will receive more money than the previous collection of child benefit programs. For the typical family of four, an additional $2,500, tax-free, every year will go directly into their pockets to help them raise their children.

We saw recent improvements to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) when nine out of 10 provinces signed on for the enhanced CPP. The deal negotiated between Ottawa and the provinces will improve the program in significant ways. It’s what Canadians deserve and wanted –a secure and dignified retirement.

I was also pleased that we are improving economic security for middle class Canadians by extending regular EI benefits for regions with high unemployment. These changes to EI will benefit northerners when they are without a job and looking for new employment. I believe that all Canadians, no matter where they live, must be treated fairly.

This past year also presented some challenging issues, such as assisted dying. As required by the Supreme Court of Canada, we put forward legislation that officially became law on Friday, June 15. In the end, I believe we provided a balanced legislation that protects Canadians, while also giving people the right to die with dignity. It was a tough and very personal decision for many, but it was the right one.

Here in the riding, we had an extremely busy year. I was happy to see significant investments on initiatives such as the environment, housing, veterans, infrastructure, and in our First Nations communities. We announced $5.5M to undertake scientific studies to protect the health of Lake of the Woods, as well as $1.7 million over two years for the IISD – Experimental Lakes Area.

Just last month, the government also announced the launch of ,Connect to Innovate​. This program will invest up to $500 million by 2021 to help ensure that 300 rural and remote communities in Canada are better positioned to take advantage of the opportunities afforded by the digital age. That was followed by the CRTC declaration that high-speed Internet is now considered a basic telecommunications service for all Canadians. This exciting news will boost internet service and speed in rural and remote communities.

As we welcome another year, I would like to wish you all the best, and hope that you have a healthy and prosperous 2017.

Hon. Bob Nault MP
Kenora