There's no doubt that the economic situation facing Canadians continues to change almost daily. While we have been somewhat insulated from the worldwide recession, it's clear now that we, too, will go through more difficulties before things start to improve. When all of our major trading partners are seeing their Gross Domestic Product shrink at twice to even four times the Canadian rate (Japan's current numbers are incredibly bad), our export-dependent economy will be impacted. You can't sell cars to the Americans or coal to the Japanese if no one is buying.

Politically, things in Ottawa have become more stable as reality sets in. The Liberals helped us pass the Budget and even their Senators moved quickly once they realised they were holding up much-needed EI benefits. The coalition idea seems pretty much dead and the NDP and Bloc now spend as much time attacking the Liberals as they do the Conservatives. It's good to see that alliance come unglued, and the government has been given the chance to lead that the electors gave them last fall.

Naturally, most of the energies of the Conservative government have been devoted to fiscal and economic issues. The plans to accelerate the building of roads, bridges, and highways, to expand training and skills development, and to make additional credit available are well underway and will help stimulate activity this year. The tax-reduction measures will also help and most provincial governments seem to be cooperating to make it all happen ASAP.

Interestingly, while people are for the most part focussing on jobs and the economy (the Liberals, for example won't admit that the carbon tax idea ever crossed their minds!!!), other important issues are starting to get a good airing too. Long-awaited justice reforms may finally get done, as the Opposition parties scramble to catch up with the voters. I didn't believe I'd ever see them coming around but it appears to be happening.

Toughening up the laws for gang related violence are going to pass, so says the Opposition, as will increased penalties for those who attack police officers. There may even be support to get rid of the long gun registry, and we have a bill to do just that; and a vote within a couple of months. I can hardly believe that the Liberals and NDP will finally support us on this one but early indicators are encouraging.

I think the reason we're getting support on the justice files is two-fold. First, all politicians are hearing that 'enough is enough', and when voters send a strong message, politicians better listen. Second, though we call them justice issues, there's a significant economic impact to a better justice system. Times are tough, so wasting a billion dollars on a gun registry doesn't make much sense. And making the criminals pay for their deeds is good for public safety AND for business. The last thing we need when we're wooing scarce investment and tourist dollars is more lawlessness.

I'm encouraged by these parliamentary signs and the prospect of a spring election seems to be fading. Focussing on the big issues is what people expect of their politicians right now. Come to think of it, especially in between elections, when has it ever been different?