They could not vote, get medical care from a male doctor, or even speak to a male other than relatives. Showing an ankle in public could precipitate a public flogging. A woman caught with nail polish on might have her fingers cut off. About 700,000 children -- only boys -- attended school.

The world has never seen such a major transformation in women's rights over such short period of time. Now, more than five million children in Afghanistan - boys and girls - attend schools built in part by Canadians. Women have returned to work, opened businesses, gained access to healthcare and are even elected members of parliament. This freedom and opportunity for women would not have been possible without the brave Canadian soldiers who laid down their lives for their freedom -- including the first female combat soldier Canada has lost in battle -- Captain Nichola Goddard. The Conservative government stood fast for the women and children of Afghanistan, and Liberal leader Stephane Dion has now reversed his much repeated demand that Canadian forces must withdraw from Afghanistan by February 2009. France and the U.S. have announced they will step up with 1000 troops to support our own until they are replaced in 2011.

Stephen Harper has been Prime Minister for over two years now. How are Canadians doing at home? Taxes are the lowest in almost 50 years, and our unemployment rate is at a 33-year low. We have ongoing budget surpluses and a falling debt burden.

The new federal budget introduced the most important personal savings vehicle since RRSPs -- Tax-Free Savings Accounts. This may sound dull, but it is dynamic. Canadians over 18 years old will be able to save up to $5,000 a year in tax-free accounts, with unused contributions being carried over for use in future years, and use these savings at any point in their lives for any priority they choose. Unlike RRSPs, interest and investment growth inside these accounts will not be taxable, and will not affect federal income tested benefits like the GIS. You will even be able to take money out of your TFSA and put it back in later without reducing your annual contribution room. This is fantastic, particularly for seniors, who see inflation and taxes eat away their life's savings.

The budget also introduced pilot programs will help those who are mentally ill and homeless, a better student loan program, and a new crown corporation to set fairer employment insurance rates. Ford of Canada in Oakville will benefit from a new $250 million Innovation Fund. There is also $66 million to set up a greenhouse gas cap and trade system and $250 million to develop carbon capture and storage initiatives.

How did our Oakville MP vote on this budget? The Liberals say they opposed it, but made sure it passed by going AWOL during the vote -- including Oakville MP Bonnie Brown and Halton MP Garth Turner.

The Liberals are divided on many issues, partially because they effectively have three leaders. Bob Rae has apparently convinced Stephane Dion not to force an unwanted election now, while Michael Ignatieff tells him how to handle Afghanistan. In the meanwhile Prime Minister Harper -- a strong leader -- has successfully piloted major bills through parliament that will make our streets safer, our air and water cleaner, and our economy stronger.