We hear it every day right now: Canada is not immune from the effects of the global downturn around the world.

As your MP, I know many of you are concerned about what the current economic uncertainty means for your jobs, your savings and making ends meet.

Which leads to the question: What are we doing about it?

This week’s Speech from the Throne clearly indicated that the Government has a plan and is committed to getting Canadians through these challenging times.

Yesterday’s speech confirmed that the Government, under the strong leadership of Stephen Harper, will not only manage the current difficulties but, when the economic downturn is over and done, ensure Canada will come out of it stronger.

Here is the five-pronged plan to safeguard Canada’s economic security and protect Canada’s future:

First, in the coming weeks and months, Canadians will see action as our government works with our trading partners and allies around the world to reform global finances; a global problem requires a global solution.

Second, ensuring sound budgeting is essential. Our government will never allow Canadians to suffer simply to balance the books, but at the same time, Canada must never return to ongoing unsustainable structural deficits. We will look at all spending under a microscope to ensure that taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars are used with care.

Third, secure jobs for families and communities will be a priority. We will strengthen our workforce by encouraging trades and apprenticeships, by supporting workers facing transition due to age or changed circumstances, and by providing further support for our auto and aerospace industries, on which the livelihood of so many Canadian families depend.

Fourth, just as the financial worries began beyond our borders, so too can we find international solutions by seeking out new investment and trade. Cooperation with our allies is also key. Our Government will look at ways to develop shared solutions with the new Obama Administration in the United States. We will seek out new, safe, trading opportunities for Canada around the globe.

Finally, in addition to these measures, we will work to make government more effective. Action like reducing red tape, improving the way in which programs are delivered, fixing procurement and improving management of federal agencies will help government serve all Canadians better, now and in the future.

As we move forward with our sights firmly fixed on responsible economic management, there will be hard decisions that will have to be made in order to keep federal spending under control and focused on results. These will be made to keep Canada strong.

What does that mean for Kelowna-Lake Country?  It means I will continue to work hard for you to ensure that we address our ongoing infrastructure needs,  to ensure our business and agriculture sectors can fully realize  their opportunities by addressing skills training and labour shortages and by doing what we can to address our  social concerns including affordable housing, affordable living for seniors, families and those entering the workforce and safer communities.

In the days to come there is no doubt that there will continue to be much fear-mongering and doomsday predictions.  All the more reason we must remain confident, exercise prudence by making every dollar work hard for us and more importantly, continue to keep our eyes on the future so when the global economic uncertainty is over Canadians are in a position to hit the road running.