Liberal government to act fast on tax relief, Syrian refugee plan

The new Liberal government will move quicklyon key promises, including tax relief for middle-class Canadians, amending anti-terror laws andan expedited plan to bring in thousands of Syrian refugees.

Parliament will returnon Thursday, Dec. 3, witha speech from the throne to follow the next day,government House leader Dominic LeBlanc announced after the cabinet's first meeting.

• Trudeau signals new style of governing
• Full list of Liberal cabinet
• Bill Morneautakes on finance file

LeBlancsaid implementing new measures to cut taxes for the middle class and increase them for those making more than $200,000 will bebrought in as a top priority.

"The prime minister has made it clear to us that it is his hope and his intention that the tax measures could be in place for Jan.1, and that's frankly one of the reasonswhy we're asking Parliament to come back in the first week of December," he said.

Questions on military mission, marijuana

A series of ministers were grilled by reporters on everything from pulling out of the military mission in Iraq and Syria, to when marijuana will be legalized, towhether Canadians canexpect a fall fiscal update. Most declined to divulge specifics until they have been briefed by senior departmental officials.

ButMinister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipJohn McCallumconfirmed thatbringing in 25,000 Syrian refugees by year's end remains a "firm objective" of the government. He said it will requirean "all-of-government" approach.

"I will be getting briefed intensely on this. We will be reaching out to provincial governments, to NGOs, to international organizations," he said. "I think we will find a great desire across the country to help us achieve this objective."

Immigration Minister gives an update on promise to bring 25000 Syrian refugees to Canada by New Year's Eve

9 years ago

Duration 1:26

John McCallum says its a cross country effort involving all levels of government

McCallum said he will work with his counterparts in Defence, Healthand Public Safety to map out a course of action. The federal government will also partner with provincial and municipal governments, non-government organizations and international institutions, McCallum said.

Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale said his department will do its part to ensure the Syrian refugees are properly screened before entry to Canada.

Goodale called his portfolio a "huge responsibility" that touches on a number of departments. One of his "urgent" issues will be to amend Bill C-51, the controversial anti-terror legislation.

"The principle is clear, and that was laid out by Mr. Trudeauinthe election," he said. "That balance betweenmaking sure Canadians are safe and making sure that their civil rights and the values of Canadians are properly protected."

New Treasury Board President ScottBrisonsaid the former Harper government "gratuitously" attacked the public serviceand that Liberals would restore a "culture of respect."

Treasury Board President Scott Brison calls for respect for public service

9 years ago

Duration 0:50

Liberal MP Scott Brison says Liberal government will restore respect for and within the public service

PrimeMinister JustinTrudeauand his 30 new ministers met in Centre Block to map out thegovernment's priorityagenda, just hours after being sworn in Wednesday morning.

Trudeauofficially becameCanada's 23rd prime minister at Rideau Hall, the Governor General's official residencein Ottawa. An estimated 3,500 people turned out to watch it unfold on large screens set up on the grounds.

After the 90-minute ceremony, Trudeaucirculated in the crowd, shaking hands and posing for photos.

Trudeau's30 cabinet appointments includea mix of rookies and experienced politicians, and there is an even number of men and women.

Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould, a former B.C. regional chief, said she is honoured and privileged to serve in the portfolio. She said the physician-assisted death issue is a "priority" for the governmentand that she would have more to say in the days and weeks ahead.