The following is adapted from the text of Prime Minister Stephen Harper's speech last night to a rally in Guelph, ON.

Today, Canadians have every reason to be positive about the future.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Canada is playing a stronger, more secure role on the world stage. While other countries are staggering due to global economic instability, Canada continues to have the soundest economy in the whole of the G7. And prudent fiscal management by the Conservative Government is on target to keep us there.

Canadians are paying less tax. The Conservative Government has cut the GST from 7% to 5%. Corporate and small business taxes have been reduced as well. This means more investment, more growth, more jobs and more prosperity. And it means Canadians are keeping more of their own money.

Thanks to the Conservative Government’s tough stance on crime, Canadians have reason to feel safer. Prime Minister Harper has kept his promise to strengthen Canada’s criminal justice system so that the interests of law-abiding citizens, and not those of criminals, come first.

The Conservative Government is also delivering real action on the environment, combining the preservation of our natural heritage and the sustainability of our growing economy. After 13 long years of Liberal inaction on climate change, Canada has finally turned a corner because of Conservative Government’s real targets to bring greenhouse gas emissions down.

These achievements are based on Conservative priorities and Conservative values. Today the Conservative Government is replacing Liberal talk with real action and getting things done for everyday Canadian families.

Unfortunately there are those who would take Canada back to the failed approaches of the past. Stéphane Dion does not understand the concerns of everyday Canadian families. After losing one former Liberal seat in the recent by-elections, and floundering very badly in another, it is clear that Canadians do not understand or trust Stéphane Dion.

The choice Canadians face is quite clear. Stéphane Dion is not a leader. By promising to increase taxes and rack up massive deficits, it is clear he would take Canada down a very risky path. Canadians cannot afford to take that chance.

In contrast, with Prime Minister Harper and the Conservative Government, everyday Canadian families can continue to count on real leadership that is on their side.