This week, we prepare to turn the page on 2013 and welcome a New Year.
Here in Southern Alberta, 2013 will undoubtedly be remembered for the spring flood, the largest natural disaster recorded in our region’s history. However, it will also be remembered for the many selfless heroes who stepped up to help. Whether going door to door to evacuate their neighbours, or donating to charities, thousands of people rose to the occasion.
In other countries, such an outpouring of support would be considered astounding. But here in Canada, coming together in the face of desperate circumstances is nothing new. Its part of who we are.
I believe this willingness to help is one of the values that define us as a country, and it is something our government is proud to support. As part of Economic Action Plan 2013, we introduced a new first-time donor’s tax credit to encourage Canadians to support charitable endeavours. Monetary donations made by first-time donors after March 20, 2013, and before December 31, 2017, now qualify for the first-time donor’s super credit. More information is available online at actionplan.gc.ca.
Of course, our government also recognizes the plight of those around the world who face desperate circumstances every day. On Dec. 2, 2013, we pledged $650 million over three years for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
Canada has long been a leader in this multi-national effort to help some of the poorest people on our planet. HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria cause an estimated four million deaths per year, especially women and girls. This year’s funding amounts to a 20 per cent increase over our government’s previous commitment to the Global Fund, which has saved an estimated 8.7 million lives to date.
Whether to help our neighbours here at home, or in countries around the world, giving changes lives for the better.
As the late Nelson Mandela – an honourary Canadian citizen – taught us, “To be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”
As the New Year dawns, let us recommit ourselves to standing up for freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law for all. As a strong, free, and generous nation, I believe these are the values that must define Canada to the world.
