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Tax breaks to families tops 2014 Federal Government list

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Photo courtesy Prime Minister Harper”s Facebook page.

Tax breaks to Canadian families are at the top of the Prime Minister’s list highlighting his government’s 2014 achievements.
    “I am proud of what our Government has achieved for hard working Canadians and their families in 2014,” said Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
    Decmeber 31 the Harper government issued their achievement highlights  over the past year.
    “Our Government announced measures that will put considerable money back in the pockets of Canadians through the doubling of the Children’s Fitness Tax Credit and making it refundable, the Family Tax Cut, the increased and expanded Universal Child Care Benefit, and the greater Child Care Expense Deduction limits. In fact the average benefit to Canadian families of measures announced in 2014 will be over $1,100 per year.”
    Also on the PM’s list is major infrastructure initiatives under the New Building Canada Fund, which he says will commit billions of dollars to support projects to communities across Canada.
    Projects he listed include roads, bridges, transportation networks, airports, and rail service. Harper said these projects mean tens of thousands of new jobs.
    Other highlights on his list:
- The conclusion of free trade negotiations with both the European Union and Korea
 - Work towards eliminating the deficit to balance the budget in 2015.
- Introducing legislation to ensure that innocent victims of crime have clear rights in Canada’s judicial system.
- Broader police powers being sought after the killings of  two Canadian forces personnel and a gunman entering the Parliament Buildings in October.
- Tougher penalties for child predators.
 - “On the international front, we took a strong stance against Russian military aggression and expansionism in Ukraine,” the Prime Minister said. “Canada is also contributing to the fight against the terrorist group known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), which threatens not just the Middle East, but Canada.”
- Global efforts in promoting the health of women and children in developing countries.
- “Our Government also continued to strongly support Israel’s legitimate right to defend itself against those who would do it harm, “states Prime Minister Harper “I had the chance to deliver this message in person during a historical appearance before Israel’s Knesset in January, which was a deep honour.”
    “In the new year, our Government will continue to build on the remarkable achievements of 2014 with a view to delivering the prosperity, safety and well-being that Canadians deserve.”


Special Areas Chair Jay Slemp announces retirement

 

 

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Special Areas Board Chair Jay Slemp.

 

     A name that has become synonymous with sound management of Special Areas is stepping down.
    After  a career that has spanned 40 years of service, Jay Slemp has announced he will be retiring as Chairman of the Special Areas Board.        “There is never a perfect time for this type of transition, but I believe now is the right time,” said  Slemp.
    Slemp began with Special Areas as an office manager in Consort, and was eventually appointed as Chariman of the Board.
    He says he is honored to have been the Chairman of Special Areas, to have had the opportunity to serve the great people of the Special Areas and to have been supported by such a talented and dedicated group of individuals.
    “We have continued to grow and change while focusing on our true strength – the people of the Special Areas; ‘Where People Make the Difference.’”
    His retirement becomes affective as of January 2015.
    According to a release, the Advisory Council will be putting forward a recommendation to the Deputy Minister of Municipal Affairs.
    The Deputy Minister of Municipal Affairs will then work with the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Special Areas Advisory Council to ensure the right individual is appointed as Chairman.

Erratic driver gets 90 days

 

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A Calgary man who says he was lost in the country now has 90 days in custody to learn his way home.
    Kevin Blondin appeared in provincial court in Drumheller, and plead guilty to obstructing a peace officer and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle. A charge of failing to provide a breath sample was withdrawn by the Crown.
    On August 21, 2013 A civilian observed a vehicle near Elnora on Highway 590 swerving, as well as slowing almost to a stop, and then taking off in excess of the speed limit. When the vehicle approached Highway 21, it drove through the intersection without stopping .
    The vehicle was stopped shortly thereafter and when Three Hills RCMP dealt with  Blondin, he gave them a false name. Twenty minutes later he provided the police with his proper name.
    According to defense counsel for Blondin, he set out that day not planning to drive and had an employee driving for him. When the two arrived at a residence, the employee got in an argument with a person at the home and quit his job on the spot, leaving Blondin stranded.
    Blondin did not have his glasses and did not know his way home. He was communicating with his wife over the phone while she directed him using Google Maps.
    The crown and defense agreed to a joint submission of 90 days, and allowed for provisions for him to serve it intermittently on weekends, beginning January 10, 2015.


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