February 3, 2004Immediate ReleasePrime Minister Paul Martin today built on the Speech from the Throne, elaborating on actions to be taken on key Canadian priorities such as health care, a New Deal for Municipalities, life-long learning and Canada's role in the world.The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of pursuing an ambitious, responsible and balanced program - one that changes the way government works; one that sets goals for the coming decade while delivering down payments today that Canadians can afford."Ours is an ambitious agenda," said the Prime Minister. "Canada is entering a decade where opportunity will be ours to seize. With a new Parliament and a new government, we will honour our values and achieve our nation's full potential."The Prime Minister elaborated on the Speech from the Throne in a number of ways by announcing:The creation of the "The Canada Corps" - which will harness the energy and expertise of Canadians, and young Canadians in particular, in assisting with the development of democratic structures such as constitutions, judiciary and free elections.The GST rebate for municipalities - worth approximately $7 billion over the next 10 years - will be effective retroactive to February 1st, 2004. A new "learning bond" will be created to encourage savings for the post-secondary education of children born to low-income families.A commitment over time to devote five per cent of all federal R&D investment to purposes that will be of direct benefit to developing nations. Confirmation that the government will proceed with legislation to provide low cost pharmaceuticals to combat HIV/AIDS to least developed countries, in recognition of the former Prime Minister's leadership to now be titled, "Jean Chrétien Pledge to Africa Act". At the core of the Prime Minister's agenda lies a government-wide commitment to the guiding principle of equality of opportunity - a promise to Canadians that regardless of income or age, gender or disability that they will be able to participate in society like any and all others. With our partners, we will expand health care, education, skills development and entrepreneurship for Aboriginal people."Equality of opportunity is the pillar of a successful society," said the Prime Minister. "We will increase access for moderate and low income families and better reflect the higher cost of education. We will help those who earn while they learn and better address student debt; and we will help low income students get in the door with a first year education grant, said the Prime Minister. " -30-
