Responsible Leadership for Canada

March 04, 2008

In a time of economic challenges abroad, it is essential that Canada has responsible leadership to manage our own economic affairs.

Members of Parliament will soon vote on the 2008-2009 Federal Budget. The 2008 budget plan is, once again, a balanced budget that focuses on the clear priorities of Canadians.

The 2008 budget includes:

Creating Tax Free Savings Accounts that will encourage all Canadians to save their money, without being penalized with additional taxes when they do so;
Providing $500 million to improve public transportation to help get more people to work, safely and efficiently;
Increasing the Northern Residency Deduction to help with the cost of living in Canada’s North; and
Reducing Canada’s debt by $10.2 billion.

Each of these investments is part of a prudent and focussed approach that will ensure Canada remains on the right fiscal footing during challenging times in the global economy.

The Stéphane Dion Liberals promise a different approach. They have already made spending promises that would push Canada at least $62.5 billion deeper into debt. This is not only wrong, it represents a very risky road during turbulent economic times.

Worse still, the Stéphane Dion Liberals are continuing to disrespect Canadians by hiding their own priorities. Mr. Dion continues to hide the costing of his own promises. In fact, last night, only seven Liberal MPs showed up to vote on the Liberal Party's own budget amendment. Rather than stand up and be accountable, it is clear that the Liberals' top priority is to avoid accountability at all costs.

It is up to Mr. Dion to come clean with his own priorities. Canadians will look to Mr. Dion and his Liberal colleagues to stand and be counted on whether they support the Conservatives responsible, prudent budget plan. If they fail to do so, this will mean that the Liberals are still refusing to come clean on their spending plans; it will be one more sign that Mr. Dion is not a leader and not worth the risk.

Responsible leadership means balanced budgets. Responsible leadership also means being clear on where you stand. Today, for Canadians who are concerned about responsible leadership, there is only one option: Prime Minster Stephen Harper and the Conservative Government.