This is my final column of the year before Parliament takes a six week break. So, I thought I would update everyone on some odds and ends.

Gun registry: We are still fighting with the opposition parties to repeal the long-gun registry. While we have not been able yet to repeal the registry, we have had some success in protecting ordinary firearms owners through amnesty and regulatory changes. These changes will protect firearms owners from the most onerous provisions of the registry for the time being.

Tax cuts: On January 1st the GST decreases to 5 per cent; down from 7 per cent when the Conservatives took power. Also, the lowest income tax bracket goes down to 15 per cent, retroactive to January 1st 2007. Therefore, everyone who paid income taxes during the year should get a refund.

Justice legislation: The Harper government’s comprehensive crime bill has made its way to the Senate. This bill, which deals with a variety of criminal offences (including raising the age of protection to 16) should pass into law early in the New Year.

I’m Brad Trost, your MP for Saskatoon-Humboldt. I welcome your feedback, contact my offices anytime. You can contact my office at (306) 975-6133. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.