MP Calls Budget 2010 Good News for Manitobans and families

OTTAWA, ON: Member of Parliament Candice Hoeppner was positive in responding to the budget plan tabled yesterday by the Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance.

“This budget shows that we know where we’re going, and we have a plan to get there,” said Hoeppner. “This is a jobs and growth budget that follows through on our infrastructure stimulus spending which has been so appreciated by our cities, towns and municipalities, while continuing to invest in programs like job-sharing to help Canadians still affected by the global economic downturn.

Hoeppner commented that Budget 2010 strikes a good balance in addressing today’s economic challenges and is good news for Manitobans and families.

“We are maintaining pensions and provincial transfers for health and education which will be welcome in Manitoba in these tough economic times,” Hoeppner stated. “At the same time we’re helping those most in need with measures like expanding the $100-a-month childcare benefit for single parents. And we’re doing it without raising taxes for Canadian families.”

Other highlights of the budget include:

-          new, targeted initiatives to build jobs for the economy of tomorrow, harness Canadian innovation, and make Canada a destination of choice for new business investment

-          a three-point plan for returning to budget balance once the economy has recovered, including ending the temporary stimulus measures

-          an in-depth review of federal government administration and overhead to reduce costs

Hoeppner also highlighted the Government’s new direction to eliminate tariffs.

“We are eliminating tariffs on inputs and machinery and equipment in order to allow industry to lower production costs and invest in the machinery and equipment they need,” stated Hoeppner.

“This is a historic step that goes beyond creating foreign trade zones,” Hoeppner continued. “By allowing all manufacturers to operate without tariffs, we are fundamentally improving Canadian business by reducing administration and customs costs, attracting investors, creating jobs and lowering prices for consumers. It sends a strong message that Canada is an investment- and trade-friendly country.”

Hoeppner also noted that as a global leader, the government remains committed to honouring

Canada’s international commitments and helping its poorer neighbours with a $364 million increase to the International Assistance Envelope (the principal means by which Canada allocates foreign aid), bringing it to $5 billion in ongoing support.

A copy of Budget 2010 is available at: http://www.fin.gc.ca/fin-eng.asp