Prime Minister Stephen Harper highlights government legislation becoming law

December 15, 2010

OTTAWA – Prime Minister Stephen Harper and His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, today highlighted key legislation that became law today.  A total of 8 Government bills became law bringing the total number for the session to 10.    
 
“The economy was our top priority this Fall and I am pleased that the Sustaining Canada’s Economic Recovery Act became law, allowing measures from the Jobs and Growth Budget to be implemented,” said the Prime Minister.  “I am also pleased that other important legislation has been passed to protect Canadian consumers, make our streets and communities safer, and improve the lives of Canadians and their families.”
 
Government bills that became law today include:
 

• Sustaining Canada’s Economic Recovery -- Budget 2010 measures to implement the second phase of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
• Canadian Consumer Product Safety – tough new legislation to strengthen Canada's product safety laws and better protect Canadian consumers and their families.
• Eliminating Entitlements for Prisoners – terminates the payment of Old Age Security benefits to prisoners. 
• Protecting Victims from Sexual Offenders – protects children against sexual predators on our streets. 
• Fighting Internet and Wireless Spam – protects Canadian businesses and consumers from the most harmful and misleading forms of online threats.
• Gender Equity in Indian Registration – addresses a court ruling on gender discrimination in the Indian Act.
• Tax Conventions Implementation – implements Canada's tax treaties with Colombia, Greece and Turkey.
• Appropriations bill for the fall Supplementary Estimates – provides information to Parliament on the Government’s spending requirements.

Earlier in the fall session, the following Government bills became law:

• Tackling Auto Theft and Property Crime – cracks down on auto theft and trafficking in property that is obtained by crime. 
• Celebrating Canada's Seniors - creates a National Seniors Day to recognize the significant and continuing contributions seniors make to their families, communities, workplaces and society. 

 
“While important legislation became law, a number of key bills remain to be passed by Parliament,” continued the Prime Minister.  “We will continue to work to pass legislation to strengthen our economy, make our streets and communities safer, and prevent human smugglers from abusing Canada’s immigration system.  And we urge the Opposition to work with us to ensure that the interests of Canadians are represented.”