Ottawa - Gord Brown, Member of Parliament for Leeds-Grenville says he is pleased with the new Conservative government's Throne Speech delivered on Tuesday, April 4.

"The speech outlined our five priorities - the priorities that Canadians from every part of the country supported during the recent federal election including the voters of Leeds-Grenville," says Mr. Brown.

The first priority is a solemn pledge to improve Canadians' faith in public institutions by making government more accountable and effective.

"We made it our first priority because, without public trust, our public institutions would crumble and our nation's respected place on the world stage would be jeopardized," explains Mr. Brown.

That's why the Federal Accountability Act will be the first piece of legislation Canada's new Conservative government introduces when Parliament returns, adds Mr. Brown.

"This new law will restore the principle that government should serve the public interest, not personal interests."

Another priority that Canadians have embraced is our commitment to help families cope by lowering taxes - starting with the GST. Our plan calls for the GST to be dropped from seven per cent to six per cent immediately, and eventually to five per cent. It's meaningful tax relief for all residents of Leeds-Grenville.
Residents of Leeds-Grenville are worried about the availability of health care services. That's why Canada's new government will negotiate patient wait time guarantees with the provinces - so all Canadians, including those in Leeds-Grenville, finally start to receive essential medical treatment within clinically acceptable waiting times.

"People in our riding have a right to expect the health care services they need, will be there when they need them. The Patient Wait Times Guarantee is an important first step to achieving that goal," says Mr. Brown.
During the election, parents told us they wanted better childcare options and more choice in how that care is provided. That's why Canada's new government will implement a truly universal childcare plan that assists every family with children under six years old. At the same time, we will introduce incentives for businesses, non-profit and community-based-organizations to add 125,000 new childcare spaces.

"Our plan works for all families, not just those who live near a government-funded daycare centre," notes Mr. Brown. "Our plan serves ordinary working families instead of government bureaucracies. And our plan respects the fact that parents - not governments - are best at making decisions about how to care for their kids."

Finally, Canadians deserve to feel safe in their homes, on their streets and in their communities. That's why Canada's new Conservative government is cracking down on crime. For too long, the old Liberal government focused too much on the well-being of criminals and not enough on the safety of good, honest, law-abiding Canadians.

"Canada's new government is turning a new leaf. Beginning with the Speech from the Throne, the old Liberal days of "hug a thug" are gone."

Accountability, cutting the GST, a patient wait time guarantee, choice in child care and getting tough on crime - these are the priorities Leeds-Grenville residents voted for and they are the priorities of Canada's new Conservative government.