Mark Warawa, MP - Langley - MP Mark Warawa: The next phase of Canada’s Economic Action Plan on Right Track

March 22, 2011

MP Mark Warawa: The next phase of Canada’s Economic Action Plan on Right Track

OTTAWA, ON - Conservative MP Mark Warawa is applauding the next phase of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, saying it will have positive benefits for Langley families, seniors and job creating businesses. “Canada has weathered the global recession in a stronger position than nearly all major economies, with 480,000 new jobs created since July 2009. But the global economy is still fragile, we need to stay focused on the economy,” said Warawa.

“Langley relies on the services of our volunteer firefighters,” says Warawa. “This budget provides for $3,000 in tax relief for fire fighters who bravely serve their communities.” All Langley families will also benefit from up to $5,000 in grants for families to make their homes more energy efficient; up to $840 in new annual financial support for needy seniors; a new Family Caregivers Tax Credit, a new Children’s Arts Tax Credit; and the waiving of license renewal fees for hunters and firearm owners.

“This isn’t the time for an unnecessary election, we need to stay the course to help create jobs and economic growth.”
Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff has been trying to force an election recently, arguing now is the time to increase taxes on Canadians. As we try to fully recover from the global recession, massive proposed Liberal tax hikes would stall Canada’s recovery, kill jobs, and increase the cost of living for families and seniors,” Warawa said.

The next phase of our Conservative Government’s Plan keeps taxes low to promote jobs and economic growth, while supporting BC families and seniors. It also includes:

Supporting Job Creation: a new Hiring Credit for Small Business to support local job growth, an expanded work sharing program, and major new investments to help the agriculture, forestry and mining sectors grow.

Investing in the economy of tomorrow: help for BC farmers with a new $50 million Agricultural Innovation Initiative; increased support for research and technology; improved federal student loans program for BC students; and more.

Preserving Canada’s Fiscal Advantage: keeping Canada on track for balanced budgets by eliminating ineffective spending; limiting spending growth; and closing unfair tax loopholes. BC also benefits from new support for Ridley Terminals, as it seeks to expand and create more economic growth in the province.

The next phase of the Plan also reinforces the Conservative Government’s longstanding rejection of the former Liberal government’s legacy of balancing the federal budget on the backs of BC and other provinces through deep transfer cuts to health care and education.

Indeed, under the Conservative Government in 2011-12, BC will see record high major federal transfers totalling over $5.4 billion – an increase of $763 million from the former Liberal government. What’s more, BC will see growing transfer support for health care ($3.8 billion – a 36% jump from the Liberals) and social services (over $1.5 billion – a nearly 30% jump over the Liberals). The increased support will help hospitals, schools, and other critical services in the province.

“While the former Liberal government radically and recklessly slashed transfers to our home province, our Conservative Government continues to ensure BC has record support to provide the health care, education and other important services families depend on,” confirmed MP Warawa.