Prime Minister Harper presents new Ministry

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Good afternoon.

Canadians elected our government to get things done.

They endorsed our plan to clean up Ottawa;

To reward those who work hard and play by the rules;

To make our borders and our streets safe;

To re-build our military;

And to restore our influence in the world.

They elected us to strengthen national unity.

Not with ads, sponsorships and golf balls;

But with a federalism of openness.

A federalism that works for all Canadians.

I assembled my original Cabinet to execute this plan.

And I am pleased to say that 18 months into our mandate – we’ve made tremendous progress on our commitments.

Today our economy is strong.

Our government is clean.

Our country is united.

And all Canadians – from families to students to seniors – are feeling better about their country.

Because they’ve finally got a government that’s on their side.

We did what we said we were going to do.

Now it’s time to keep moving forward.

To seize the opportunities that lie before us.

And rise to the challenges that confront us.

To make our country even stronger,

And even better,

For all of Canada’s families.

This means asserting and defending our sovereignty.

Continuing to lower taxes.

Tackling crime.

Preserving and protecting our environment.

And strengthening the federation at home and abroad.

I’ve given some new assignments to Ministers for the next phase of our mandate.

To broaden their base of experience.

And build the team for the longer term.

As individuals and as a group, they know where they stand.

They know where they’re going.

And they work hard.

As our record over the first eighteen months demonstrates, they have a proven capacity to get things done for all Canadians.

But the government is just getting started.

There’s more to do.

In delivering change that Canadians voted for on January twenty third of 2006.

In conclusion, this government presents Canadians with a clear choice.

A choice between strong leadership that is moving Canada forward in a clear direction.

And weak opposition that would set families and taxpayers back.

We know that Canadians want to move forward.

So we will continue to lead.

To make our country stronger, safer and better.

Thank you.