Real Leadership.  Real Results for Canada’s Economy.

April 24, 2008

Today Prime Minister Stephen Harper is meeting with the Laval Chamber of Commerce and Industry where he will talk about the Conservative Government’s record of delivering real results for Canada’s economy.

Despite the serious challenges posed by the slowing economy in the United States, today the Canadian economy remains on solid footing. Taxes are at their lowest level in nearly 50 years, the unemployment rate is at its lowest level in 33 years and Canada’s debt burden is at its lowest level since the 1970s. Canada continues to have the strongest economic fundamentals of any country in the G7.

Thanks to a record of lower taxes, balanced budgets and real leadership from the Conservative Government, more businesses and workers can plan for the future with confidence.

This record of real leadership continued in Budget 2008, which built on the Conservative Government’s record on the economy. As part of Budget 2008, the Conservative Government is providing tax relief to businesses that expand with new machinery and equipment by increasing the Capital Cost Allowance. In addition, those who live in struggling single-industry communities are receiving help through the Conservative Government’s $1 billion investment in the Community Development Trust.

The Conservative Government is also providing more tax relief for Canadian consumers by retroactively reducing taxes, as well as cutting the GST from 7% to 5%. Canadians will soon be able to save even more through the Conservative Government’s new Tax-Free Savings Accounts, which will allow every taxpayer to invest up $5000 per year tax free.

Stéphane Dion and the Liberals would risk all of this prosperity and success. They have made reckless spending promises that would plunge Canada at least $62.5 billion deeper into debt. Mr. Dion has admitted that he is considering a hike in the GST, among several other secret “tax shifts” that would cost Canadian families even more.

In the next election, Canadians will have a clear choice. They can choose the lack of priorities, reckless spending and higher taxes of the Stéphane Dion Liberals, or they can continue to move forward with lower taxes, balanced budgets and a stronger economy thanks to the real leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Conservative Government.