Since 2006, the Government has supported the security and prosperity of Canadians and promoted business and investment to create jobs. When the global financial and economic crisis struck, these underlying strengths helped Canada to avoid a deep and long-lasting recession. The Government’s sound fiscal position prior to the crisis provided the flexibility to launch the stimulus phase of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, which was timely, targeted and temporary in order to have maximum impact. This plan was one of the strongest responses to the global recession among the Group of Seven (G-7) countries.

Economic output in Canada is now well above pre-recession levels, and more than 610,000 jobs have been created since the recovery began in July 2009, the best performance in the G-7.

Canada cannot rest on this record of success. There are many challenges and uncertainties still confronting the economy. The recovery is not complete and too many Canadians are still looking for work. The global economy remains fragile and any potential setbacks would have an impact on Canada. Canadian businesses face ever-increasing competition from emerging fast‑growth countries. Our aging population will put pressure on public finances and social programs.

Economic Action Plan 2012 takes important steps to address these structural challenges and ensure the sustainability of public finances and social programs for future generations. International experience shows the importance of taking action now, rather than delaying.  Underpinning these actions is the ongoing commitment to keeping taxes low, which is central to the Government’s long-term economic plan.

Economic Action Plan 2012 highlights include:

• $165 million over two years for responsible resource development that creates jobs while protecting the environment;
• Investing $205 million to extend the temporary Hiring Credit for Small Business for one year;
• Financial support for employers of Canada’s military reservists to offset costs incurred when part-time reservists sign up for full-time duty;
• Phasing out the penny from circulation; and
• Expanding health-related tax relief under the Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) and income tax systems to better meet the health care needs of Canadians.

Economic Action Plan 2012 highlights for Saskatchewan include:

• $54 million over two years to continue to support effective project approvals through the Major Projects Management Office initiative;
• $6 million over three years to extend and expand the ThirdQuarter project, led by the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce, to key centres across the country to help employers find experienced workers who are over 50;
• Enhanced support for the Victim’s Fund; and
• Investments in ParticipACTION, which works with provincial and local partners to deliver community-based physical activity and fitness programs.

Looking forward, our Government is also ensuring the sustainability of our retirement income system, so it’s there when Canadians need it.  This includes making gradual adjustments to the Old Age Security System down the road, and moving government employee and Parliamentarian pension plans more in-line with the private sector.

For more information on Economic Action Plan 2012, click here.

“Canada continues to deepen its strategic partnerships in Asia in order to create jobs, growth and long-term prosperity for Canadians,” said the Prime Minister. “With the global economic recovery remaining fragile, I look forward to exploring new ways of strengthening our relationship with Thailand and Japan.”

Prime Minister Harper will visit Bangkok from March 23-24, at the invitation of Thailand’s Prime Minister, Yingluck Shinawatra. The Prime Ministers will mark more than 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, as well as the 35th anniversary of Canada’s relationship with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, of which Thailand is a member. While in Thailand, Prime Minister Harper will also promote Canada as an investment destination of choice and discuss cooperation between our two countries in combating human smuggling and terrorism in the region.

Following his visit to Thailand, Prime Minister Harper will visit Japan from March 25-26. In Japan, he will meet with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda to discuss a range of issues, including the state of the global economy, bilateral commercial ties and regional security. He will also travel to the northern area near Sendai to express Canada’s sympathy to the victims of the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami.

Prime Minister Harper will then visit South Korea from March 26-27 to participate in the Nuclear Security Summit in Seoul.

The Summit brings together world leaders from over 50 countries, including all G-8 and G-20 members, as well as four international organizations, to discuss concrete efforts to secure vulnerable nuclear materials worldwide and prevent nuclear terrorism.

Please print and use this form to nominate a worthy candidate for the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Diamond Jubilee Medal Nomination Form (PDF)