Protecting Canada during a global recession

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                                             27 JANUARY 2009

 

OTTAWABattlefords-Lloydminster MP and Agriculture Minister, Hon. Gerry Ritz   welcomes Budget 2009: Canada’s Economic Action Plan, as a bold multi-year stimulus that delivers significant impacts.

 

 “Our plan puts people to work, supports farms and businesses, provides tax relief and takes immediate action to build roads, bridges and sewers. I expect sod to be turned throughout my riding,” says Minister Ritz.

 

The action plan also delivers five extra weeks of Employment Insurance benefits, lower personal income taxes, funding for skills training, support for key industries including agriculture, investment in high-tech research and development and, a new tax credit for home renovation.

 

“We are protecting jobs and helping those who find themselves between jobs. Our tax relief measures will put money back into the hands of Canadians and back into the Canadian economy,” says Ritz.

 

In addition, the plan addresses the reduced availability of financing that has resulted from the global credit crisis, with measures to help individuals and businesses get needed financing. For farmers, a $500 million agricultural flexibility program will allow for the implementation of new initiatives.

 

“We listened to economic experts, farm families, business people and ordinary Canadians over weeks of consultation. We took their advice, building a plan that creates and maintains jobs and keeps our economy moving.” says Ritz.

 

“Our government is leading with the Economic Action Plan and we look to the Opposition parties to put politics aside and support it,” Ritz adds.

 

 Complete details of Canada’s Economic Action Plan is available at www.budget.gc.ca

 

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For more information call Meagan Murdoch 613-759-1059