Federal Conservative candidate John Sprovieri may be running in the Ontario. But he sure seems to care a lot about Surrey. In the issues section of his Website, the candidate references the city 19 times. For example, under the heading auto theft, Mr. Sprovieri notes "It is a shame that Surrey is known as the auto theft capital of North America...The criminal Code needs to be strengthened to include minimum mandatory prison sentences for auto thieves." And later, while discussing Tory policies on crystal meth and drug crimes, Mr. Sprovieri writes "Recent statistics show that up to 1 in 10 Surrey youth are using or have tried crystal meth...I am committed to cleaning up the streets of Surrey, and helping to make Canada a safe place to live."

But it seems Mr. Sprovieri isn't just confused about the riding he's representing. Under the heading Gurmant, the candidate claims "Gurmant (Grewal) and I are two separate MPs representing different ridings. Gurmant not running in this election affects me personally, but not professionally. Any advice that Gurmant is giving me during this election is similar to any supportive spouse. The only difference is that my spouse brings with him nine years of hill experience." The following is a complete copy of the site's text.

***

JOHN SPROVIERI

BRAMALEA-GORE-MALTON

Briefing Book

Federal Election - Canada

January 23, 2006

Aboriginals

A Conservative government will work to improve economic and social conditions for Aboriginal Canadians. To accomplish this, we will transfer responsibilities of Northern Development portfolio to Department of Indian and Northern Affairs to territorial and Aboriginal governments, and where necessary to appropriate federal departments. We will also replace The Indian Act (and related legislation) with legislative framework with provides for devolution of full legal and democratic responsibility to First Nations, including the Inuit. Also, by creating a First Nations Land Ownership Act, we would transfer Reserve land title from Crown to willing First Nations.

Abortion

A Conservative government, regardless of individual member's views, will not table legislation concerning abortion. As with other existing laws, we will not contradict the constitution on this matter. If the issue were to come up in the House, I would vote according to the will of my constituents. I would poll residents and speak with them to gauge how they want me to vote. As your representative in Ottawa, my opinion doesn't matter. If you want to know my opinion, I am a woman, end of discussion.

Accountability

It is time to replace an old government with a new team, and to change the old Liberal culture of entitlement to a culture of accountability. A new Conservative government will introduce a new Federal Accountability Act designed to end the influence of big money in Ottawa and crack down on a lobbying culture that has thrived under Paul Martin. The plan will include: Banning corporate and union donations, while limiting personal donations to $1,000; Overhauling lobbying laws and banning all ministers, ministerial staffers or senior public officials from lobbying government for five years after leaving their post; Give more power to the Lobbyists Registrar, Ethics Commissioner, Information Commissioner and the Auditor General, and; Give the Auditor General a mandate to conduct a complete review of the more than $30 billion in annual federal grants, contributions and contracts.

Affordable Housing

The root cause for homelessness is high taxes and misplaced government priorities. This includes a $25 billion cut by Paul Martin in transfers to the provinces. We will develop policies in order to allow for a greater number of seniors in need of care to remain in their homes. A Conservative government will fight for low-income Canadians. We will increase support for Canadians on fixed incomes, including seniors, who face rising costs of living. We will provide a social safety net for those who are going through a tough time, and wont let anyone ‘fall through the cracks” in society. While respecting provincial and municipal jurisdiction, we will work with the provinces to improve the quality of life for all Canadians but especially children, seniors and the disabled. The Liberals removed the federal government from affordable housing programs that led to a dramatic increase in homelessness. From 1980-93, 15,000 social housing units were built but since 1994 only 3,000 units were built. Last year, the number of homeless people increased to 250 from 160 the previous year. We believe that it's the government's role to respond to people who need assistance and compassion during difficult times in their lives. A Conservative government will be compassionate and will not allow anyone to fall through the cracks because that is what true community is all about.

Age of Consent

Under the Liberals, Canada has become a haven for child predators. The Liberals have not done enough to protect children from child abuse, child pornography and exploitation. Children can't understand sexually transmitted disease and teen pregnancy. A 14 year old is not old enough to watch certain TV programs, drive, drink, but the Liberals and NDP have left it so that these kids are allowed to have sex with adults. What's even more shocking is that the majority of Canadians of all provinces and territories want the age to rise to at least 16, but the Liberals are completely ignoring this wish. In almost all Western Democracies, the age of consent is higher than in Canada. The Liberal Government for more than a decade has been eroding family values and has not taken any significant measures to protect children. Had the Liberals and NDP supported my motion to raise the age of consent to at least 16 years old, it would have been the first step in protecting the rights of our children.

Auto Theft

It is a shame that Surrey is known as the auto theft capital of North America. In fact, everyday 16 cars are stolen. 7 people have died in BC as a result of auto theft. It costs Surrey drivers $13 million per year in insurance increases. The police try their best to stop these thefts but they lack the resources to get the job done. They are also hindered by a Justice system that treats car thieves with kid gloves. This helps to explain why 90% are repeat offenders. The criminal Code needs to be strengthened to include minimum mandatory prison sentences for auto thieves. This will also help to put the organized criminals behind bars. A Conservative government will stand up for the rights of victims rather than the rights of criminals.

Bill C-68

Whenever elections are looming, the Liberals attempt to escape the scandals and corruption that has marked its time in office by making phoney promises to the West. Bill C-68 is part of a master plan to fool Western Canadians into believing the Liberals are finally doing something about problems that have been festering for the last 12 years. Transportation is an ongoing concern for my constituents. Everyone who travels our streets and highways can confirm this. Congestion is severe and is only getting worse. Years of failing to build enough new transit and road capacity is exacting a heavy toll on commuters. Travel time sin the Lower mainland have increased by 30% in the last decade. And, with the regions population expected to grow by another million people by 2021, traffic will only get worse. Not only does this impact residents trying to get to work and school, but it also negatively impacts trade. Over 60 million tonnes of cargo must pass through over clogged highways and rail lines each year. What the people of FPK want is an immediate investment in the South Fraser Perimeter Road and we need assistance to dredge the Fraser River and funds to improve Highway 1, and to twin the Port Mann Bridge. My constituents deserve better.

Bill C-250

Bill C 250 is intended to put protection against hate crime into the criminal code, but there is already a protection in law against hate crime. Rather C 250 curtails religious freedoms and criminalizes the contents of the Bible, Quran and other religious books. This is why the conservative party made amendments to the bill, but the Liberals and NDP majority defeated them. This was a private members bill by NDP Candidate, and convicted thief, Svend Robinson and has since become law.

Border Security

Our borders are Canada's frontline defence against terrorism and crime. Our borders must run smoothly and safely so that trade to the United States isn't impeded. We must reinvest in our borders. They need substantial infrastructure and staffing improvements Conservatives will work with the United States on joint measures to improve trade and cross border traffic. We will also focus on eliminating the flow of illegal weapons and drugs into Canada that end up in the hands of criminals.

BSE

After the federal Liberals' total and utter refusal to fight for Canadian cattlemen, the Conservative's have been forced to act on behalf of an absentee government. Further to an application last winter, and in a landmark ruling, members of the Conservative Party of Canada were granted status to submit an amicus brief in the ongoing battle to have U.S. borders reopened to Canadian livestock. So, where was our federal government on this issue? Why has it been left once again to the Opposition party to act where this Liberal government would not? And why didn't the Liberals act like a government that represents the interests of Canadians?

Charter of Rights & Freedoms

I believe that parliament must be the absolute law making body of Canada. A Conservative government will use the Charter of Rights as a guideline to govern. The liberals have consistently abandoned issues to the courts, instead of taking responsibility. I respect the Charter of Rights and Freedoms as the supreme law of Canada. The notwithstanding clause should only be used in the most serious of circumstances, and would not be used to overturn existing law on same-sex marriages.

Child Care

The Conservative Child Care plan will give all families a new $1200 per year Choice in Child Care Allowance for each child under six, starting in 2006. Coupled with the recent GST tax reduction, low and middle income families, will see a dramatic rise in their incomes under a Conservative Government. The Conservative plan will also establish a Community Childcare Investment Program worth $250 million a year. Under this plan, employers who create new childcare spaces for their employees, or for the wider community in collaboration with not-for-profit organizations, will be eligible to receive a credit of $10,000 per space. The Liberals do not want to give money back to parents. Rather, they only want longer programs.

Child Pornography

Our children are our most precious resource, and they need to be protected. As I have said on numerous occasions, I will fight for our children. We need to replace the Liberal's public good defence for child pornography with a zero tolerance policy

There is no artistic merit in Child Porn, and there never will be. It should not be tolerated in any form in our society. The Liberals failed Canada's children on the child pornography issue. The artistic exception could be easily abused in courts with clever defence attorneys and activist judges. A conservative government would outlaw ALL child pornography.

Child Poverty

Canadians pay the highest taxes of the G7 countries. As a result, poverty has become a serious issue. We will cut taxes to middle income Canadians. We will introduce a $1200 per year per child allowance to reduce the tax burden on families with children.

It is unfair that families with children pay the same taxes as those with the same income but without children. The cost of raising children should be a factor in helping families. The CPC believe parents are the experts and are in the best situation to determine what their family's care needs are – not the federal government. Thus, we will provide assistance directly to parents, so that they can make the care choices that best meet their needs. The Conservative Party firmly believes that these low-income working Canadians should get to keep more of their hard-earned dollars. We also recognize that many of these families are fighting to get out, or stay out, of poverty and every extra dollar makes a big difference.

Children's Sports Activities

A Conservative government will extend a tax break to parents who register their children in sports and other physical activities. A Conservative government will allow the parents of young people under 16 years old who register their children in organizations that promote physical fitness to claim a federal tax credit on registration fees to a maximum of $500 per year per child. Along with the GST tax cut and the $1200 a year Choice in Child Care Allowance, assistance for families who have kids in organized sports is another part of the Conservative plan for hard-working families. It will be provided for each child registered in sports under the age of 16. It gives parents and their kids an opportunity to be engaged in their communities. Unfortunately, families who struggle to make ends meet find it difficult to register their children in local sports activities. A significant minority of parents (46%) feel that high costs prevent children from being more physically active.

Cities & Communities

By cutting funding to the provinces, the Liberal government forced them to reduce support to municipalities for essential needs like roads and sewers. This is one of the root causes of the massive infrastructure deficit our cities and communities are facing. Stephen Harper and Conservative MPs have long supported the idea of using gas tax revenues to fund infrastructure, while Paul Martin consistently opposed the idea when he was Finance Minister. The Conservative Party will stand up for: Transferring at least 5 cents per litre in gas tax revenues ($2 billion per year) to provinces and municipalities for infrastructure; Maintenance of existing strategic and border infrastructure funds. Working with municipalities, provinces, and non-governmental organizations to deal with housing and homelessness; using tax credits to spur private investment in the creation of low income housing.

Coast Guard

The federal Liberals have gutted the Coast Guard. They have left our huge coast undefended and without emergency preparedness. We will re-establish funding for the Coast Guard - an essential part of our North American perimeter security. We cannot leave our ports vulnerable and without any defence, something the Liberals have done.

Constitutional Reform

Canada's constitutional balance must be restored. The Liberals have unfairly invaded provincial jurisdiction on many files, upsetting Canada's constitutional balance. A Conservative government is committed to balanced federalism, where the federal government and provincial government respect each others' proper roles according to the constitution. We need constitutional reform to address the legitimate grievances of Western Canadians and other regions including: reforming the senate; transfer tax points to provinces to address the fiscal imbalance; free votes in the HOC so that we represent our constituents not just our party.

Crystal Meth

Crystal meth is a dangerous and highly addictive drug. Recent statistics show that up to 1 in 10 Surrey youth are using or have tried crystal meth. The federal Liberals have completely failed on combating illicit drugs. More people are using drugs today than ever, especially our youth. And more drug dealers and drug producers are getting away with zero prison time and remain free to peddle drugs to our children. We must tackle this problem in 3 ways: 1) Institute mandatory minimum sentences on the drug dealers and producers of crystal meth; the liberals are allowing these people to get away scot free; 2) Create a national drug strategy that increases funding for rehab clinics and also increases coordination between police and community groups; 3) Educate our kids about the dangers of crystal meth drug use.

Drug Crimes

Under the Conservative plan, offenders involved with trafficking, importing/exporting, or producing the most addictive drugs such as heroin, cocaine, crystal meth, and large amounts of marijuana or hashish, would face mandatory minimum prison sentences of at least two years. We will also ban conditional sentences, increased fines for drug dealers and producers, based on the street value. We will not proceed with the decriminalization of marijuana. The precursor chemical ingredients of crystal meth, such as pseudoephedrine will be harder to get. We will also implement the creation of a drug prevention strategy focused on youth. I am committed to cleaning up the streets of Surrey, and helping to make Canada a safe place to live.

Dangerous Offenders

A Conservative Government believes that government has an obligation to strengthen Canadians' confidence in our legal system's ability to judge dangerous offenders appropriately so that dangerous offenders will not be released until they are no longer a threat to society. Also, anyone convicted of three offences causing death or serious harm against the person shall be automatically designated as a dangerous offender. This would not preclude the Crown from pursuing dangerous offender status for any other offender deemed to fit the criteria.

Decriminalization of Marijuana

A Conservative government will not reintroduce the Liberal plan to decriminalize the possession of marijuana, and we will never endorse the NDP idea of legalizing it outright. I don't think it's a coincidence that we have seen a rapid expansion of the drug trade since this government first tabled its marijuana decriminalization legislation. It sent a signal to society, to police officers and to the drug industry that they were simply not serious about enforcing drug laws. Some people want to deal with the problem by simply surrendering. A Conservative government would not only make marijuana illegal, but will institute truth in sentencing in order to see drug offenders in prisons or rehabilitation centers.

Democratic Reform

Canada's role as a world leader in the shaping of democratic institutions has been considerably tarnished by the Liberals lack of accountability in Ottawa. The Liberal Party uses the democratic process for its own partisan gain. Liberal Prime Ministers have called unnecessary early elections, parachuted so-called “star candidates” into ridings, and used Senate seats as patronage appointments. A Conservative government will eliminate the democratic deficit by: establishing a federal process for electing senators. Currently the Prime Minister holds a virtually free hand in the selection of senators; introducing legislation modeled on the British Columbia law requiring fixed election dates every four years, except when a government loses the confidence of the House of Commons; and, ending "parachute" candidacies by requiring that a party's candidate have the approval of the local constituency association.

Education

For all students - whether in trades, technical schools or universities - the cost of purchasing books is rising, and is estimated to be as high as $1,200 per year for some students. A Conservative government would give a tax credit for students or their parents of up to $500 to help cover the costs of textbooks. We will also encourage cooperation with the provinces to increase family income thresholds for student loan eligibility. We will also make the first $10,000 of a student scholarship or bursary income exempt from taxation.

EI

Employment Insurance programs must provide adequate income protection to Canadians in all regions of Canada in the event of income loss. It must also ensure fair eligibility requirements and payments into the funds, which are reasonable to maintain it as an insurance fund. It must not be treated as a fund to balance the budget.

Environment

Twelve years of Liberal rule have been a disaster for Canada's environment. The Liberal government's neglect and disregard has jeopardized Canada's natural spaces and have threatened the legacy of clean water, clean air, and clean land for future generations of Canadians. The Liberals talk a lot about the environment, but they do very little. More phony Liberal talk is not going to stop raw sewage from flowing into Halifax Harbour, it's not going to clean up the thousands toxic waste sites encroaching on our communities, and it's not going to save the thousands of lives cut short by the oppressive smog which hangs over our cities. The Conservative Party will stand up for: Introducing Tax credits for public transit users, instead of spending your hard earned tax dollars on Kyoto hot air credits; Introducing a Clean Air act which will reduce smog days by taking decisive action to legislate caps on smog causing pollutants; Introducing a Clean Water Act to ensure water quality and quantity; Providing stable long-term funding to clean up federal contaminated sites, and creating incentives to encourage private sector clean-up of contaminated lands; Ensuring that the sometimes competing values of preserving the environment and creating jobs are maintained in proper balance.

Equalization Policy

Equalization is an essential component of Canada's nation building efforts. The Conservative Party supports changes to the equalization program to ensure provinces and territories have the opportunity to develop their economies and sustain important core social services. We will remove non-renewable natural resource revenue from the equalization formula to encourage the development of economic growth in the non-renewable resource sectors across Canada. The Conservative Party will ensure that no province is adversely affected from changes to the equalization formula. The size of your cheque shouldn't depend on your relationship with the Prime Minister or how badly he needs a few more votes in your province during this election. It must be driven by an agreed-upon and transparent formula.

Family Values

The Canadian family is the most important institution to Canadian society. The family is the building block of Canadian society, providing the stability for all our other institutions. Stable families produce healthy communities and a strong Canada. Without healthy families, our democratic culture will come under increasing negative pressures, further eroding civil Canadian society. Liberals have been eroding family values for a long time. Be it same sex marriage, child pornography, sex offenders' registry, age of consent, tax rebate for stay-at-home parents. Liberals are not family friendly!

Fisheries

The current tax system should treat fishermen equally with other primary producers, such as farmers and woodlot owners. A Conservative government will restore equity in capital gains taxation among these groups. Under 12 years of Liberal mismanagement, salmon stocks are threatened in the Pacific As well cod stocks have collapsed in the Atlantic. The provinces need to have a greater role in managing these resources. We need to invest in fisheries science and research. This will help preserve and renew our fisheries on both coasts.

Foreign Credentials

The Paul Martin Liberals have been misleading new immigrants by promising opportunities in Canada in an attempt to secure votes. Sadly, when these immigrants arrive, their degrees or certificates are not recognized in Canada and are forced into menial jobs like driving taxis or working as gas station attendants. A new Conservative government will work with Colleges and Universities to ensure that the knowledge and experience possessed by immigrants is properly recognized.

Foreign Policy

Foreign policy should protect Canada's sovereignty, promote our national interests, enhance international development, and contribute to collective security. A Conservative government will introduce legislation that will provide a clear mandate for development assistance. We will ensure spending to the Official Development Assistance (ODA) increases steadily, beginning with a significant one-time increase in the budget. We will provide Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) with authority to monitor and report on expenditure and implementation of all official development assistance dollars. We will make Parliament responsible for exercising oversight over conduct of foreign policy. And, we will ensure Parliament is fully informed and consulted before entering into any new major international treaties or undertakings.

Gangs

The federal government can directly tackle gang violence by increasing RCMP and municipal police funding. We must also promote community involvement in solving gang related violence and crime. Only through coordination and a comprehensive strategy will we make a difference. A Conservative government will work to introduce: tougher juvenile sentencing; enhanced sentencing for gang status; comprehensive witness protection programs; increased education is also a key to gang prevention.

Gas Prices

The prices have skyrocketed this year courtesy to the federal Liberals. We would not suffer price shocks if the Liberals would lower fuel taxes, like the GST and gas excise tax. The Liberal government insults Canadians by continuing to charge the deficit fighting tax on gasoline, years after eliminating the deficit. They are charging taxes on taxes. In Surrey, at least 44% of what we pay for gasoline is tax. BC pays over 1.1 billion in gas taxes. Gasoline is a necessity for those who drive to work, drive to the hospital. Sadly, 1.5 cents a litre is deficit financing tax imposed by Paul Martin in 1994, despite the fact that the surplus was eliminated in 1997-98. The revenue from gas taxes goes to general revenue - a big black hole. Only 3.4% is invested on infrastructure development.

GMOs

Canadians should have choices and should have access to safer foods. To achieve this, we must work to label all GMOs. But we have to find an appropriate way to do this so that the burden of cost is not on farmers alone. I believe that voluntarily labelling for GMO foods should be recommended as an immediate practice. Governments should provide funding for research for a safer food supply. I will work with a new Conservative government to help achieve this.

Gomery

The Gomery inquiry confirmed that the Liberal party ran a program of kickbacks, told lies, and have a culture of entitlement & corruption. Sadly, there is still $40 million dollars missing from the sponsorship program that the Liberals have not paid back. Paul Martin was Finance Minister at the time and either knew what was happening or was incompetent. The only way we will have clean and ethical government is to elect a Conservative government. The Federal Accountability Act will ensure that the leaders of the Liberal Party and this Liberal Government will be held accountable for the worst scandal in this country's history. High ranking Liberals cynically manipulated the Sponsorship Program to enrich their party and their friends.

GST Tax Cut

The Conservative plan is to cut the GST from 7% to 6% immediately, and then to 5% over the next five years. This is a tax cut that all Canadians will feel every time they go to the store or gas station. This is tax relief that you can see, more money in your pockets to spend, save or use as you see fit. Our plan to cut the GST willespecially help the lowest-income Canadians who do not pay income tax and who would not benefit from income tax cuts. The Liberals, who once vowed to scrap the GST, are now campaigning to save it. Paul Martin himself said in the HOC that "The GST is a stupid, inept and incompetent tax."

Gun Registry

A conservative government would immediately scrap the gun registry. It has already wasted nearly $2 billion of tax payers' money. This money should have gone to law enforcement agencies across the country. We will develop cost-effective gun control programs including mandatory penalties for criminals who use firearms and a licensing system for firearms. Banning handguns is definitely not the answer. Criminals who want to use guns to commit a crime won't register them anyway. The government should be registering sex offenders not law-abiding duck hunters. We need programs designed to keep guns out of the hands of criminals, while respecting the rights of law abiding Canadians to own and use firearms responsibly.

Gurmant

Gurmant and I are two separate MPs representing different ridings. Gurmant not running in this election affects me personally, but not professionally. Any advice that Gurmant is giving me during this election is similar to any supportive spouse. The only difference is that my spouse brings with him nine years of hill experience. During that time, he fought harder than any MP, not the least of which was his work on eliminating radioactive waste from our communities. He fought tirelessly against this Liberal Provincial government to accomplish this goal. The fact that we were the first husband and wife MPs did not distract me from standing up for the residents of FPK. During this campaign, I will use every resource available to ensure that the issues prevalent to FPK are brought to the surface. Issues like an increase in infrastructure spending to the Lower Mainland, protecting the rights of men, women, children and seniors by enforcing stricter gun and drug legislation, giving parents a choice in child care and lowering taxes.

Hepatitis C

The Hepatitis C debacle is a shameful example of the Liberals' incompetence and proneness to bungle issues that affect the lives of Canadians. The magnitude of this tragedy is beyond heartbreaking. Thousands of Canadians are suffering horribly and yet the Liberals refuse to listen to their pleas for help. Instead of admitting that they grossly overestimated the number of potential victims in the 1968-1990 group and the pre-1986/post-1990 group and adjust the compensation program accordingly. The Liberals are telling victims in the latter group to wait and see. The CPC is outraged by the Liberals' inaction on this issue. With over $1 billion remaining in the compensation fund, our party believes it is time the Liberals extend compensation to all victims of this horrible tragedy. Rest assured that the Conservative party has no intention of wavering in our fight to ensure that this government treats all Hepatitis C victims fairly.

Homelessness

The Conservative Party of Canada believes that it's the government's role to help people in need when they fall on hard times. A Conservative government will be compassionate and will not allow people to fall through the cracks. The Liberals have not addressed the seriousness of Canada's situation. A Conservative government will work with municipalities, the provinces, and Canada's housing community to find real solutions. The Liberals have spent billions of dollars and yet there are more homeless today than in recent history.

Immigration

The Liberals have unfairly been using immigration as an income generator. They collect millions of dollars in surplus revenue from immigrant applicants but refuse to do anything to lessen waiting lists. Immigration is essential to our economic growth and global competitiveness. We want the front door to be open and accessible to legal immigrants and make sure the backdoor is closed on illegal immigrants. Recent Liberal promises to drastically increase immigration are false hopes. A Conservative government would first clear the current backlog of applicants and provide the funds to adequately incorporate immigrants into the Canadian family.

Independent Director of Public Prosecutions

In order to ensure that accountability becomes a common practice in Ottawa, A Conservative government will create an Independent Director of Public Prosecutions. The director will be an independent, qualified prosecutor chosen from a list determined by an all-party committee. This is necessary because politicians should not be accountable to other politicians and the government must not be accountable to itself. This person will be responsible for all Federal prosecutions. The Sponsorship program has shown us that we must bring accountability to the government so that taxpayer dollars are never wasted again.

Kyoto

Kyoto is more about politics than about science. It's our moral responsibility to hand over cleaner air, a cleaner earth, and a cleaner environment to future generations. We must also protect species at risk and endangered species. Kyoto does not accomplish any of these goals. It only addresses emissions of carbon dioxide, and only barely. Since the largest CO2 emitting countries, like China, India, and Brazil will not implement it, Kyoto will not be effective. Rather, a Conservative government will invest in research and development of alternative energy and fuel sources. The only environment Kyoto will change is the economic environment, endangering Canadians' jobs and economy.

Liberal Ban on Handguns

Handguns have been virtually banned in Canada since 1934, and the Liberals have attempted to woo Canadians by banning them again. Canada already has some of the toughest gun control laws in the world - laws tat were first brought in by Conservative governments. The Liberal's phony announcement is a last-minute tactic to distract voters from the Liberal government's failure to enforce those laws. Under Paul Martin's watch we have seen the worst gun violence in Canada's history. Martin has done nothing to stop the flow of thousands of illegal handguns across our borders, and has done nothing to stop the Liberal revolving door sentencing system that has put dangerous criminals on our streets. A Conservative government will do everything possible to ensure that illegal guns don't come into the country and don't end up in the hands of criminals.

Liberal Broken Promises

The Liberals have promised and lied to Canadians on the following: Eliminating the GST; Renegotiating NAFTA prior to ratification; Running women in 52% of ridings; Eliminating democratic deficit by allowing free votes in the house; That the Liberal Party in Quebec won't campaign with tainted and stolen money; Ending Cronyism and Patronage appointments; Reviewing all senior government appointment; Ending foreign over-fishing; Securing funds to the CBC, cut $377 million; 'Focusing' on reducing income taxes; Passing whistleblower protection legislation before previous election.; Ending western alienation forever.

Liberal Corruption

After 12 years of broken promises its time for Canadians to move forward. Paul Martin either knew about the incessant corruption, and if not, he should have known. He's either corrupt or inept, neither of which is much of a choice for Canadians.

Today we see that Finance Minister Ralph Goodale's office leaked information on income trusts, possibly instigating one of the largest financial market scandals in Canadian history. British Columbians deserve a government that respects our needs year round, not one that only pays attention at election time. How much can Canadians take: a 1 billion dollar HRDC boondoggle, a 2 billion dollar gun registry, and over 40 million dollars is still missing from the sponsorship scandal. The Liberals call that good economic management? I call it a complete and utter disaster. Martin said if he did not solve western alienation, his leadership would be a failure. Well I've got news for him, he failed by all measures - no elected senate, no money for Gateway, no democratic reform, and corruption continuing to this day - the West and all of Canada deserves better. They are running this election on their record; well their record says that it's time for a change

Liberal Waste & Mismanagement

The $1 billion HRDC boondoggle showed the waste and mismanagement of the Liberal government. CSL, the PMs own shipping company, has received $161 million in government contracts. The Somalia inquiry was launched to investigate the government cover-up of inappropriate military actions. But, it was shut down after 2 1/2 years and $25 million dollars later, when evidence showed a senior military and defence staff cover-up. They were also responsible for: David Dingwall not only dinged the Royal Canadian Mint for a fat patronage job and unreasonable expenses (including the infamous pack of gum), but Paul Martin is trying to decide whether to give him $500,000 in severance pay. Whether legal or not, this is wrong! Also, Parliament's Public Accounts committee has heard testimony that Paul Martin's personal leadership team was improperly awarded government contracts to keep the team employed while they waited for Paul Martin to become Prime Minister. Andre Ouellet, the former head of Canada Post racked up $2-million in expenses. In March, Paul Martin used the government luxury jets to fly to three separate Liberal Party fundraisers. The taxpayers were charged $160,000, and there are no plans to recover the money.

Marijuana Grow Ops

Grow ops are an unending concern in Surrey and the Lower Mainland. The Surrey RCMP receives 1600-1800 leads a year about potential grow ops. Due to lack of resources and legal procedures, only about 300 are ever investigated. In neighbouring Washington State, first time offenders receive a minimum 3 month jail sentence, but in Surrey you can have 7 convictions without ever seeing any time in jail. Grow ops are also traceable to organized crime. Less than 20% of grow ops are known to police. Less than 20% of these are ever investigated due to recourse and legal constraints. A Conservative government would impose mandatory minimum sentences on grow op owners, unlike the Liberals who simply give grow op owners a slap on the wrist. We would also increase funding for the RCMP and create a National Drug Strategy to get people off drugs.

Military Spending

A Conservative government will significantly increase military spending over the next five years. The money would be invested in a new "Canada First" defence strategy, which will include strategic lift aircraft, a new airborne battalion, and doubling the size of the Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART). For 12 years Paul Martin and the Liberals have stripped military funding. We are at the point where the Canadian Forces do not have the tools and equipment to respond to emergencies and missions. The Conservative "Canada First" defence plan will significantly increase spending over the next five years - $1.8 billion more than what the Liberals have committed. One of our first priorities is to acquire new equipment, including strategic lift aircraft. No longer will Canada borrow equipment from other nations. We will double the size and capacity of Canada's Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) so it can respond effectively and in a timely fashion to national and international disasters.

National Missile Defence

The United States have been trying to get Canada to go along with a Missile Defence system for years. Sadly, Paul Martin decided unilaterally not to go along. The Conservative party of Canada neither supports nor rejects Canada's involvement in a future BMD system because we have not been provided with any details from the Liberal government. The Conservatives agree that there are many issues to be addressed before we would be able to make an informed decision regarding Canada's participation. We must know details that Paul Martin did not disclose, such as: the credibility and probability of the threat(s); the current technical feasibility of the system; the role and function Canada would be expected to play; the effect on international arms control agreements; and, the impact, if any, the agreement would have on foreign relations. The only thing that we do know is that NDP Leader Jack Layton has been one of the most vocal opponents of involvement in the program. He and Paul Martin have been collectively eroding our relations with our largest trading partner and closest ally.

National Security

A Conservative government will call for a major overhaul of the various Federal agencies overlooking security concerns and their relations with counterpart bureaucracies on the provincial and local levels. We will focus on strengthening border port and airport security, consolidating security services under a new National Security Commissioner, and quickly deporting non-citizen criminals. A National Security Commissioner will ensure a high level coordination of all our national security, intelligence and emergency preparedness efforts.

National Unity

In the 1990s, the Liberals cut $25 billion dollars in transfer payments to provinces while telling the provinces there was no money. The Conservative Party believes that in a fair and effective Federation, there cannot be a rich federal government on one side and struggling provinces and cities on the other. The Conservative Party will stand up for: Resolving the fiscal imbalance through increasing transfers to the provinces, either through direct cash or tax points, to pay for vital social programs like health care and post-secondary education; Restoring balance between federal and provincial responsibilities, and working with the provinces through the Council of the Federation to improve the social and economic fabric of Canada.

NDP Critique

The NDP is able to make ridiculous promises to any special interest group they speak with because they know that they don't have the votes to be in power. NDPers have a history of scarring away businesses and investments which destroys economies. It happened here in BC under Glen Clark and in Ontario under Bob Rae. Jack Layton wants to encourage business by raising business taxes - what a contradiction! The NDP would not only decriminalize marijuana, he would legalize it outright. When MP Bev Desjarlais voted to uphold the tradional definition of marriage, Jack Layton stripped her of her critic title and pushed away from the party during the nomination meeting. She is currently sitting and running as an independent.

Organized Crime

A Conservative Government would recognize that organized crime is growing throughout Canada, that international criminal organizations are more and more active in Canada in money laundering and illicit drug trafficking and, finally, that this phenomenon crosses boundaries. To fight against this curse and ensure the safety of Canadians in their communities, a Conservative Government will: a) adopt, in collaboration with the provinces, a national strategy on the fight against organized crime, including the creation of a joint national task force on security; b) increase the financial resources allocated to the RCMP to help them to fight against those activities in all regions of the country; and c) propose an amendment to the Criminal Code to reverse the burden of proof, so that members of a criminal organization (and not the Crown) will have to prove at the time of seizure that the goods were not acquired through criminal acts committed for organized crime. Specific criteria will govern this measure to respect the principle of the presumption of innocence of the accused.

Public Transit

This summer, Stephen Harper announced the Conservative Transit Policy. It is an innovative program that offers tax credits, promoting the use of public transportation. It is hoped that the plan will reduce the number of vehicles on our roads, cut back on smog and dilute the crippling rush hour congestions in metropolitan centres. This Made in Canada environmental solution will: Be universal and family-friendly, applicable to any transit rider from students to senior citizens to dependant children; Begin with an immediate 16 per cent tax credit for Canadians who use public transit passes for buses, light rail transit or subways; Allow employers a tax break for supplying or subsidizing employee's transit passes and; Help increase rider-ship which will help transit authorities and municipalities meet rising maintenance costs, diversify to alternate fuel vehicles, and expand service. The total cost of this program is estimated to be $400 million per year; and funded through $5 billion set aside in Budget 2005 to address climate change. For the average commuter paying $80 per month for a transit pass, this will mean tax savings of $153. For the users of commuter services like Ontario's GO Train this tax credit could mean savings of up to $485 per year.

RCMP in Surrey

We have less police per capita than in most BC cities. For example, in Vancouver there is a ratio of 1 officer to 400 residents, while in Surrey, there is 1 officer to 893 residents. BC needs 691 new police officers to equal the Canadian average; and there are 65 vacancies in Surrey. In Vancouver there are 68 files per officer; in Surrey, there are 126 files per officer. There are 4200 fewer RCMP officers on our streets and highways then when the Liberals came in power in 1993. Last year the Canadian Police Association said the RCMP needs an immediate cash infusion of $250 million dollars.

Same-Sex Marriage

As a member of parliament, my personal views on gay marriage shouldn't matter. MPs are elected to represent and vote according to the will of the people who voted them into office. That's what grassroots democracy is all about. However, I believe like the majority of my constituents, that marriage is between a man and a woman. The Conservative Party is committed to free votes in the HOC on the issue of the definition of marriage. When we voted on this issue, I voted according to the will of my constituents, which was overwhelming for the traditional definition of marriage. We are not like the Liberals whose MPs are forced to vote according to the will of the PM. I believe that the time tested traditional definition of marriage should be respected. In 1999 the HOC overwhelmingly passed a motion to maintain the traditional definition of marriage as the union of one man and one woman with the exclusion of all others. I agree with providing same sex couples with civil unions without changing the traditional definition of marriage. They should have all the rights and benefits like married couples, such as pensions, property inheritance, or health care rights afforded to married couples.

Seniors

A Conservative government will protect retirement security programs, including Old Age Security, the Guaranteed Income Supplement, and the Canada Pension Plan. A Conservative government will also immediately double the pension income amount that seniors can deduct for registered pension plan or RRSP income from $1,000 to $2,000, gradually increasing to $2,500 over the next five years. The tax break for the seniors pension income amount will put approximately $2.235 billion dollars into the hands of seniors over the next five years. Seniors' Council. This new body will underscore the importance of government officials treating seniors appropriately. The Seniors' Council will be made up of representatives of national seniors organizations and individual seniors. In addition to monitoring the quality of government services to seniors, it will provide advice to the Minister Responsible for Seniors on government policy. A Conservative government would prevent other parties from taxing seniors' retirement savings. A Conservative government will never allow the Liberals to raid seniors' nest eggs by taxing income trusts or imposing death taxes on inheritance.

Sex Offender Registry

A Conservative Government will require the registration of all convicted sex and (pronounced) dangerous offenders (as currently defined). Such registration will be retroactive to the date of first conviction. The registry and its services will provide: i) Mandatory DNA sampling and banking; ii) A registry information network, available to all police and parole services to assist in locating (and tracking) registrants; and iii) A system to incarcerate registrants who break the terms of release prior to trial.

Skilled Trades

A Conservative government will implement the Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit as an incentive for employers to hire more apprentices. The Conservative plan calls for a Tools Tax Deduction for up to $500 spent on tools; a $1,000 Apprenticeship Incentive Grant for two years for apprentices in approved programs; and an Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit of 10 per cent of an apprenticeship's wages for two years to a maximum of $2,000. The Liberal government has failed to address the serious shortage of skilled trades workers in this country. The Conservative plan will help attract new apprentices into trades. We are the only party standing up for tradespeople.

Small Businesses

Small Businesses are the engine of our economy. Small and medium-sized businesses account for nearly one-half of Canada's GDP. Under our Opportunity Plan for Small Business, raising the threshold for the small business tax rate from $300,000 to $400,000 and lowering the small business tax rate from 12 to 11% over five years. Our tax cuts will help create employment and encourage job growth

Softwood Lumber

Softwood lumber is an important industry for all British Columbians, including Surrey, which has many softwood firms, and I appreciate their resolve in this current crisis. A Conservative government will strengthen the relationships with our allies, including the United States, in order to make for a better trading relationship. Unlike the Liberals, who have gone out of their way to alienate and criticize the Americans, by calling them morons and that they are operating with a global conscience. We would actually show them the respect that our largest ally and trading partner deserves. Even though Canada will maintain its independence and sovereignty, we will help our allies now so that we have more power at the negotiating table when we need it.

Street Racing

Illegal street racing terrorizes our neighbourhoods and kills our children and friends. More than 30 people have died in the lower mainland as a result of street racing. We must put a stop to it. Like other British Columbians, the late Chuck Cadman had recognized the seriousness of the problem. He had introduced a private members bill C 38. But the Liberals refused to support it. Now they have reversed their position, taking over his bill as their own, but have seriously weakened it. For too long, this government has allowed street racers to escape with a slap on the wrist. Conditional sentences will not stop street racing. The Conservative Party has been demanding action on street racing for years and years. How many more people have to die these senseless deaths on our streets, before this government will stop its dithering and phoney promises and give British Columbians the action they demand? Solutions include more funding to the RCMP, tougher sentences, and increased enforcement and surveillance. Our laws must act as a deterrent to street racers, including street racing organizers and participants.

Surrey Infrastructure

While the provincial government has jurisdiction over infrastructure, the federal government must be an important funding partner. Every election, Liberal leaders and candidates say how much they will do for BC, and none of their promises have been kept. There is no reason to believe that this time will be any different. The Liberals Gateway legislation would only provide 25% of the needed funding asked from the provincial government. Surrey has some of the most vital infrastructure needs in the country. The South Fraser Perimeter Road project is a strongly needed, to unclog city streets, and to streamline traffic to the border. The 152nd Exit is backed up almost 24 hours a day, with the Port Mann Bridge having some of the longest delays in the country. We must twin the Port Mann Bridge so my constituents can go to work and not spend all their free time on the road. Our environment, quality of life, and pocket book, all suffer with our inadequate roads and bridges.

Transportation and Infrastructure

Surrey has received no money from the Liberals for the 5th election in a row to help fix our infrastructure needs. In fact, the Pacific Gateway proposal from the federal Liberals earlier this year would only contribute 25% of the needed funds asked by the provincial government and create a $30 million "advisory council" sure to be stacked with Liberal friends and cronies. In election 2000, Martin toured Surrey in a taxpayer funded helicopter assessing the need for infrastructure reinvestment, specifically twinning the Port Mann Bridge, building the South Fraser Perimeter Rd. project, and the fixing the 152nd exit. Infrastructure projects are in jeopardy from the lack of tangible federal Liberal action. A Conservative government would respect British Columbia and ensure it gets its fair share of transportation and infrastructure dollars, especially for critical infrastructure like the Pacific Gateway. The Martin Liberals refund British Columbians less than 4% of fuel taxes for our highways and public transit. Liberals have been promising to fix Surrey's transportation problems for 12 years with no results. A Conservative government will deliver!

Trade Policy

In an increasingly competitive global economy, trade remains the key to future prosperity in Canada. Many Canadian jobs depend on foreign markets. Those jobs are placed in jeopardy when other nations make it difficult for our exporters to sell their products. The softwood lumber dispute has hurt this provinces economy badly. Thousands of BC jobs had been directly lost and many more indirectly. The BSE dispute has caused widespread decimation of Canada's cattle industry, and many producers have gone bankrupt. These long drawn out trade disputes could have been solved long ago if the Liberal government had more intent on actually negotiating with the Americans; rather than insulting them at every opportunity.

Veterans

Canada's veterans are owed a debt of gratitude for all their service to Canada. Without them, we would not have our freedom today. A Conservatives government will introduce a Veterans Bill of Rights. This bill of rights will ensure all disputes are settled quickly and fairly. We will also institute a Veterans Ombudsman to ensure accountability. A Conservative government will ensure veterans get timely access to health care and benefits. This is the least we can do for them.

Wait Time Guarantees & Health Care

We will work with the provinces to develop a Health Care Guarantee that ensures patients receive essential medical treatment within clinically acceptable waiting times. This guarantee comes with full compliance of the Canada Health Act, treating all patients equally for essential health care services regardless of ability to pay. This will be accomplished using a single-payer, publicly funded health care system. A new Conservative government will also increase the number of doctors and nurses by working with the provinces and territories to expand educational programs for health care professionals. Currently, 1.2 million Canadians don't have a family doctor.

War in Iraq

When Harper first remarked on the situation in Iraq, he was working with the CIA intelligence that confirmed that Saddam had Weapons of Mass Destruction. Since this information turned out to be false, Harper has since said that he supported the United States' removal of Saddam Hussein and applauded its efforts to establish democracy and freedom. But he said he would not commit Canadian troops to the country and added his great disappointment at not substantiating pre-war intelligence regarding weapons of mass destruction.

Western Alienation

Paul Martin must answer for his very public promises to solve western alienation. And yet, from several recent polls, we see that western alienation is at an all time high. In a Western Standard poll, over 30% of British Columbians would consider separating from Canada. Those levels are similar to Quebec several years ago, before the Liberal Sponsorship Scandal in Quebec. Paul Martin's 10 Accomplishments to date on western alienation: 1) No elected senate; 2) No move towards electoral reform; 3) No money for Surrey infrastructure; 4) No substantial criminal justice reform; 5) No reduction in western alienation sentiment; 6) No solution to the softwood crisis; 7) No solution to the West Coast fisheries crisis; 8) No close Canadian Forces Base to aid Lower Mainland residents in times of crisis; 9) No major departmental offices, despite promises to move the Tourism Office; 10) No solutions to offshore natural gas drilling. A Conservative government would respect British Columbia, provide regional fairness in all policy, and pursue a comprehensive democratic reform agenda, including an elected senate.

Young Offenders

We need a new approach to youth justice. The youth criminal justice system must separate out serious young criminals, while helping troubled youth willing to rehabilitate. The secrecy surrounding young offenders must end; A Conservative government would create greater public accountability. There should be zero tolerance for bullying in schools; serious and violent young offenders, 14 and above, should be tried as adults; and, we must also institute early warning and intervention legislation to prevent kids from getting into trouble in the first place.

Youth Voters

Under these Liberals, Canadians have lost their trust and confidence with the Liberal government. Our youth, the future of our country, is naturally more sensitive. It's no wonder the voter turnout in elections is decreasing. Canadians are frustrated with elected dictatorship in Canada. There is a dire need to restore accountability, trust, confidence, and credibility, into the political process. Our youth should be encouraged in our political process. They must come to understand that they are the future of this country and must become involved politically as early in their lives as possible.