On March 4, 2009, Bill C-10 – also referred to as the Budget Implementation Bill – arrived in the Senate. Liberal senators are keenly aware of the importance of implementing important measures that will assist Canadians during these difficult economic times and are determined to find a balance between both vigilant and swift examination of the contents of the bill.

The Budget Implementation Bill has 528 pages – 471 sections divided into 15 parts – and will impact 42 different statutes. With amendments to the Navigable Waters Protection Act, pay equity measures and the Competition Act – among others – this is a significant piece of legislation that will receive appropriate attention and debate.

Liberal senators compassionately acknowledge the hardships being felt across our country. With significant impacts to industries like the automotive and forestry sectors, increased levels of unemployment and shrinking savings, Canadians can rely on Liberal senators to treat this bill with the utmost importance. Jobs must be created and protected, the vulnerable must be able to access social services and the concerns of all Canadians must be considered.

The Standing Committee on National Finance is currently studying the Budget Implementation Bill and will subsequently review Supplementary Estimates that deal with a significant portion of the budget stimulus. The information below will help to outline some of the important work being done by Liberal senators to ensure that Canadians receive the appropriate fiscal measures to help combat the repercussions of this recession.