Lauzon: Stimulus on Track

March 11, 2009

Ottawa, ON – On March 10th, Prime Minister Harper provided Canadians with an advanced update on the fast-track implementation of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

“We are responding, with unprecedented urgency, to one of the greatest challenges our country has ever faced,” the Prime Minister said in a speech to the Brampton and Mississauga Boards of Trade. “We have taken extraordinary steps to ensure the stimulus starts flowing as quickly as possible.”

“Not only is the stimulus package on track, we are ahead of schedule” said local MP Guy Lauzon.  “By April 1st, the overwhelming majority of the stimulus funds for 2009-2010, close to 90% in fact, will be ready for injection into the economy.”

In addition to tabling the Budget well ahead of normal practice, the Prime Minister also highlighted the Government’s success in cutting red tape, with the Cabinet and Treasury Board approvals processes being cut by up to 2-6 months each. 

“Historically, programs of this scale take months, often years, to implement,” said Lauzon.  “However, thanks to the unprecedented efforts of the Prime Minister and my colleagues, money is beginning to flow just 42 days after the Budget.”

The Prime Minister also repeated his call for the Opposition Parties to ensure quick passage of the Budget legislation and Estimates which are both crucial to Canada’s Economic Action Plan.  

“Canadians cannot afford to have the measures contained in the stimulus delayed by an opposition preoccupied with its own political gain,” added Lauzon. “Simply put, the well-being of too many Canadians is at stake.”