A Newsletter from the Honourable Sharon Carstairs, P.C.
Leader of the Government in the Senate and Minister with Special Responsibility for Palliative Care Senator for Manitoba

Budget 2003 – Building the Canada We Want

On February 18^th, Finance Minister John Manley delivered Budget 2003 in the House of Commons. The Government presented a balanced budget – for the sixth consecutive year – and has projected a balanced budget for the next two fiscal years. Thanks to the efforts of Canadians, our country is enjoying a thriving economy. Canada created more than 560,000 jobs last year and we led the Group of Seven in economic growth in 2002 and we expect to do the same in 2003. As Minister Manley said in his budget speech, “We are a true Northern Tiger.”

This Budget maintained the Government’s careful balance between our country’s social and economic agendas. We did this in three important ways:

• Building the society Canadians value through investments in Canadians, their families and their communities;
• Building the economy by promoting productivity and innovation while staying fiscally prudent;
• Building the accountability Canadians expect by making government spending transparent and accountable.

Some highlights of Budget 2003 include:

• Further support for health care by $34.8 billion over five years;
• Compassionate care leave for Canadians with gravely ill or dying family members;
• Increases to the National Child Benefit ;
• A new Child Disability Tax Benefit for low and modest income families with disabled children;
• A 10-year infrastructure program to help cities and help combat homelessness;
• Additional funding for Canada’s military and increases to our international aid commitments;
• Money for research granting councils and support for post-secondary students;
• Resources to support Canada’s climate change strategy including energy efficiency, renewable energy sustainable transportation and alternative fuels;
• Increased RRSP contribution levels for the next five years, and elimination of the federal capital tax .

Legislative Update

Last fall was a busy period for the Senate and work continues through the winter and spring. On December 12, 2002, Governor General Adrienne Clarkson, gave Royal Assent to six Government bills passed by the Senate. These include Bill C-5, the Species at Risk Act and Bill C-8, the Pest Control Products Act. 

Senators debated the Kyoto Protocol. After both the House of Commons and the Senate voted in favor of ratification, the Government of Canada announced on December 17, 2002 the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol on Climate Change.

Senate committees have recently issued major reports on health care, drug policy and national defense. The Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology, chaired by Senator Kirby, released its final report on the state of health care in Canada entitled The Health of Canadians: The Federal Role. More recently, the Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defense, chaired by Senator Kenny, released its interim report on airport security entitled The Myth of Security at Canada’s Airports. 

In early December 2002, the Government introduced legislative initiatives in the House of Commons to better protect and improve the welfare of children. These include Bill C-20, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (protection of children and other vulnerable persons) and the Canada Evidence Act, a bill to better fight child pornography and Bill C-22, An Act to amend the Divorce Act, a bill that will amend the present Act to introduce a new approach to parenting arrangements based on parental responsibilities. These two initiatives will be sent to the Senate for consideration. 

The Government’s legislative priorities for the next six months will focus on the Government’s commitments outlined in the September 2002 Speech from the Throne, including a bill to modernize the Public Service, a bill proposing important changes to the financing of political parties and amendments to the Income Tax Act. 

Queen’s Jubilee Medals

In honour of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s Golden Jubilee, the Governor General of Canada, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, created a special new award for Canadians. The Queen’s Jubilee Medal aims to recognize Canadians who have made significant contributions to the service of their country.

I was proud to present 30 Jubliee medals to special people who – along with countless others -- have made wonderful contributions to the area of palliative and end-of-life care in this country.

At a special ceremony in Toronto, I presented medals to: Janet Napper (Toronto), Lawrence Librach (Toronto), Dr. Laura Hawryluck (Toronto).

In Manitoba, I presented medals to: Don Dennis (Swan River), Tim Ryan (Winnipeg), Neil Enns (Winnipeg), Ernie Gilroy (Winnipeg), Sonia L. Hosfield (Winnipeg), Dr. John Myers (Winnipeg), Gail S. Asper (Winnipeg), Dr. Harvey Chochinov (Winnipeg), June Westbury (Winnipeg), Margeurite Cory (Wawanesa), Leona Gaudry (Winnipeg), Dr. Allan Patterson (Winnipeg), Lore Mirwaldt (The Pas), Brian Head (Winnipeg), Margaret Workman (Brandon), Caye Scott (Winnipeg), Dr. Paul Henteleff (Winnipeg) and Dr. June James (Winnipeg).

In Montreal, I presented medals to: Dr. Jose Pereira (Calgary), Judy Simpson (Hubley, NS), Dr. S. Robin Cohen (Montreal), Dr. G. Michael Downing (Victoria).

I presented Janet Dunbrack (Ottawa) her medal in Ottawa. Several recipients were unable to attend a presentation ceremony, they are: Berenice Sisler (Winnipeg), Doreen Froese (Gladstone), Laurie Ann O’Brien (St. John’s), Dr. Romayne Gallagher (Vancouver).

The Romanow Report

One of the most important issues facing Canadians today is the future of our health care system. There is no issue more important to us. That’s why the Prime Minister asked former Saskatchewan Premier, Roy Romanow to head a Royal Commission on the Future of Health Care in Canada. 

The Commission was the most extensive public consultation ever in Canadian history. Tens of thousands of Canadians participated in this Commission and they reported on time and under budget.

Commission goals

The Commission had three goals: find ways to improve the system, make the system more sustainable; and increase the confidence of Canadians in the system. Another important focus was accountability and increased cooperation between all levels of government. 

Commissioner Romanow made recommendations on funding, accountability, governance and determinants of health. He also remained committed to the five principles of Medicare: universality, accessibility, comprehensiveness, portability and public administration. Together, these principles ensure that health care is available to people based on their need, not their ability to pay.

Palliative care

In its report, the Commission on the Future of Health Care in Canada recommended that 
palliative home care services to support people in their last six months of life be insured through Medicare and included under the Canada Health Act. As Minister with Special Responsibility for Palliative Care, I am encouraged by this recommendation. I look forward to working with Health Minister, Anne McClellan and my cabinet colleagues on implementing this recommendation. 

Elaine Sykes and Dr. Larry Librach present me with a plaque in honour of the Carmelita Lawlor Lectureship in Palliative Care.

Carmelita Lawlor Lectureship in Palliative Care On March 23rd, I was honoured to deliver the prestigious Carmelita Lawlor Lectureship in Palliative Care in Toronto. As this year’s recipient, I was proud to speak about the federal government’s progress in palliative and end of life care. The annual lectureship aims to raise the profile of palliative care in the community and create better public understanding of end of life issues.

Maria Chaput
The first Franco-Manitoban woman to sit in the Senate, Senator Chaput has worked tirelessly on behalf of the Franco-Manitoban community and to promote the province's economic development. 
Senator Chaput attended the University of Saskatchewan and the College Universitaire de Saint-Boniface. She has three children. 

Pana Merchant
Ms. Pana Papas Merchant is the second woman to represent Saskatchewan in the Senate. A teacher and businesswoman, Ms. Merchant has been involved as a volunteer in many charitable organizations, especially in the health sector. Ms. Merchant attended the University of Saskatchewan, obtaining a B.A. in Art and Education. She has three children.

Pierette Ringuette-Maltais
Ms. Pierrette Ringuette-Maltais was the first Francophone woman in New Brunswick to be elected to the provincial Legislative Assembly and to the federal Parliament. In 1997, she joined Canada Post Corporation. Senator Ringuette-Maltais obtained a B.A. from the University of Moncton, attended Laval University, and completed a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Ottawa. She has one daughter.