First, Canadians will see one of the largest tax cuts in the country’s history when the GST goes from 7 percent down to 6 percent. It means more money in the pockets of every Canadian and that’s something worth celebrating.

July is also when parents of young children under six years old will begin to receive the Universal Childcare Benefit -- $1,200 per year for each child under six -- to help them cope with the cost of child care. 

After just a few weeks in office, Prime Minister Stephen Harper has done what the Liberals could not do in 13 years – he delivered a plan to encourage choice in childcare and also started to move forward with a real plan to create new child care spaces.

Canadian workers also have a new reason to celebrate in July. That’s because Canada’s new government is delivering on Prime Minister Harper’s promise to reduce federal income taxes for almost all working Canadians.

The Canada Employment Credit came into effect on July 1st to lower taxes for all working Canadians and help them cover the costs of work related expenses such as uniforms and home computers. More of your hard-earned money in your pocket instead of the government’s pocket is always a reason to celebrate!

Finally, this Canada Day marked the beginning of a new and comprehensive plan to reduce greenhouse gases, improve the quality of the air we breathe, reduce traffic congestion, and save money at the same time. 

Starting on July 1st, Canada’s new government will provide a non-refundable tax credit on the cost of transit passes. As a result, transit users who spend $80 per month on transit passes could save up to $75 this year and up to $150 next year – yet another reason to celebrate.

A cut to the GST, $1,200 per year in direct child care support, relief for working Canadians and tax breaks to reduce air pollution and encourage transit use – four reasons for ordinary Canadians to celebrate this summer. 

And if I can add just one more reason to the list: Canadians, for the first time in a long time, can celebrate the fact that we now live in a country that is governed by a Prime Minister who keeps his promises.