The focus has been on growing the economy and creating jobs. Government direct program spending is down for four consecutive years, the first time this has happened since 1961-62. Over 1.2 million jobs have been created since the recession. The economy is fragile, however, so we must continue to be vigilant, especially with the fluctuation in oil and commodity prices.
We have cut taxes over 160 times and are keeping them low. This alone has saved an average family of 4 approximately $3400 per year. The overall federal tax burden is at its lowest in 50 years. Canada's total government net debt continues to decline and remain the lowest of any G7 country.
We are on target to balance the budget in 2015 with a projected surplus of $1.9 billion. The government will continue to reduce the size of the federal debt with unused annual contingency funds.
In addition to all of the above, we have added a significant income boost to families with children. For any couple with children under 18, a new tax provision will allow them to income split to a maximum of $2000 per year. Although some may oppose this, the time has come to look at whole family income when it comes to taxation as families depend on that income to meet their needs. Also, anyone with a child under 6 will have the Universal Child Care Benefit raised from $100 to $160 per month for an annual total of $1920 per child. For a family with two children under 6, this would mean $3840 per year, a fairly substantial amount. Also, a further payment of $60 per month per child from age 6 to 17 will be forthcoming for a total of $720 per child per year. The net effect will help families who need help most.
The New Building Canada Plan that includes the national infrastructure component, the provincial/territorial regional component, as well as a small communities component has been established for the next 10 years, and the program has now been fully launched by the federal and provincial governments. This, along with the Gas Tax Fund, will add nearly $50 billion to communities over the next 10 years.
As we know, we saw many trade deals signed, and the most significant was the agreement with the European Union. This should allow us to continue to lead on the economic front. We are also working hard to stand up for Canada and for Canadian values on the world stage. We stood in solidarity with Ukraine, we were never neutral with terrorists, and as always, we stand by Israel. After pictures of beheadings by members of ISIL, and the murder and rape of women and children, a raw nerve has been struck with Canadians. In my view there is clear support to eliminate the threat, and when we can, to degrade the assets and ability to organize and carry out operational plans. The Liberals are absolutely on the wrong side of this issue, as are the NDP. The murders of Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent and Corporal Nathan Cirillo drive home the fact that these types of actions can be taken on Canadian soil.
All in all, it has been a busy year with an election looming in next year's horizon. You can expect partisanship and actions in the House to take on a new energy as all parties set their eyes on the 2015 election. The Hill seldom remains dull and there is always a news story waiting to be told.
I would like to thank you, my constituents, for the support I have received this far and I can say it has indeed been a great privilege and honour to represent you. I offer my best wishes for a healthy and prosperous new year.
