Russ Hiebert, MP writes: Happy Canada Day to all.

MORE REASONS TO CELEBRATE THIS CANADA DAY

OTTAWA – This year’s Canada Day is marked by several historic celebrations, local Member of Parliament Russ Hiebert said today.

"Not only is Canada turning 141 today, but this month we also celebrate the 400th anniversary of the founding of Quebec City. And, in August we mark 150 years since the creation of the Crown Colony of British Columbia," Hiebert said. "All of these are major events in the history of our nation, and I’m delighted to be celebrating them in South Surrey, White Rock and Cloverdale."

As Canadians celebrate Canada Day, families and seniors will also be celebrating other important milestones, Hiebert added.

"July 1st is the second anniversary of the Universal Child Care Benefit," Hiebert said. "We believe that parents are best suited to make decisions about their children, and for two years we have been giving them the support they need to do just that."

Since the Universal Child Care Benefit came into effect in July 2006, the Government has provided $2.4 billion per year directly to the parents of 2 million Canadian children under the age of six.

"As a parent of a young daughter myself, I understand how valuable this benefit is," said Hiebert. "Parents are using this money for child care, education, and activities and programs that are helping in their children’s development. They truly appreciate the government’s recognition that they should make their own decisions about what is best for their families."

July 1st also marks an important day for Canadian seniors, Hiebert noted.

In Budget 2008, the Government responded to the growing trend of seniors staying in the work force longer by increasing the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) earnings exemption to $3500. The new increase comes into effect July 1.

"Today’s seniors are living longer and healthier lives, and many of them are continuing to work later in life," said Hiebert. "By increasing the GIS exemption amount, we are allowing typical working GIS recipients to keep more of their hard-earned money without seeing a reduction in their benefits. Not only does this encourage participation in the labour market, but it provides much-needed support for low-income seniors."

"Families and seniors will be keeping more of their hard-earned money in their own pockets this Canada Day," Hiebert added. "They know that this Government is working hard to provide them with the support they need."

Canadians will also be celebrating our nation’s birthday in the knowledge that our streets are safer and more secure. As of July 2nd, the final two provisions of the Government’s Tackling Violent Crime Act will come into effect. These provisions will allow new ways to detect and investigate drug-impaired driving as well as provide stronger penalties for impaired driving. They also introduce more effective sentencing and monitoring to prevent dangerous, high-risk offenders from breaking the law again.

"We have delivered on our commitment to Canadians by passing the Tackling Violent Crime Act," Hiebert said. "As of July 2, those who would put the lives of others at risk by driving impaired will be held fully accountable for their actions. For Canadians who want to celebrate Canada Day in a safe and secure environment, this is great news."