Raitt responds to Budget

March 04, 2010

Canada - Leading the way on Jobs and Growth
 
OTTAWA, ONTARIO. Today, Finance Minister Jim Flaherty delivered the second phase of Canada’s Economic Action plan which will lead the way in jobs and growth across the country.
 
“At the beginning of the year I held a series of broad based consultation meetings to identify the main concerns of people here in Halton,” said Member of Parliament Lisa Raitt. “I brought their concerns to Ottawa and it was through this consultation process that the government was able to table this budget today; one focused on job creation, economic growth and deficit reduction.”
 
Halton residents will continue to benefit from Canada’s Economic Action Plan. Year two will see the completion of more than 16,000 projects, a continued pledge to reduce taxes, over 1.3 billion in personal tax relief, investments in technology, funding victims of crime, getting rid of government waste, and a renewed commitment to our athletes.
 
The 2010 Budget release comes on the heels of a Statistics Canada report that indicates Canada’s economy grew 5% in the 4th quarter of 2009. This represents the strongest quarterly rate of economic growth in almost a decade, and is well ahead of market expectations. Our economy's strong performance is further proof that Canada’s Economic Action Plan is working, and helping our nation to emerge from this period of economic uncertainty with justified confidence.

 
“There were many tough decisions that had to be made for this budget,” continued Raitt. “The people of Halton expect me to lead by example. This is why I will be voting in favor of our plan which includes a salary freeze for all Members of Parliament.”
 
While we remain focused on jobs and growth, we are also planning a return to fiscal balance by winding down stimulus spending and by restraining federal program spending overall while protecting growth in transfers that directly benefit Canadians. A stronger Canada now means a stronger Canada for the future.