Ottawa – Setting the agenda for pre-budget consultations, meeting with visiting financial delegations from Mongolia and China, speaking to the new omnibus crime legislation and attending an address from the British Prime Minister David Cameron were some of the highlights from the first week back in Parliament for MP Cathy McLeod.

“One of my most important legislative duties this fall will be preparing for Budget 2012. The Standing Committee on Finance will be conducting pre-budget consultations across Canada throughout the month of October. I will have the privilege of listening to Canadians from St. John’s, Moncton, Montreal, Windsor, Whitehorse, Prince Rupert, Saskatoon and Toronto,” said McLeod.  “We expect hundreds of witnesses making presentations, with many more sending in written submissions for our review.”

“As we are working hard to implement the Next Phase of Canada’s Economic Action Plan we know that, while Canada’s full-time job gains in August were encouraging, the economic recovery in the US, Europe, and elsewhere is fragile and will impact Canada,” stated McLeod. “Listening to new ideas on how to support Canada’s economic recovery and help create jobs for Canadians will be crucial.”

McLeod added that another important legislative duty will be the passing of  Bill C-10, the Safe Streets and Communities Act, legislation that will target crime, terrorism and provide support and protection to victims of crime.

“By moving quickly to reintroduce comprehensive law and order legislation, we are fulfilling our commitment to take action to protect families and hold criminals accountable. Canadians deserve to feel safe in their homes and communities and that means substantial changes to our justice system are necessary,” concluded McLeod.