Economic Action Plan on Track, says Lauzon

June 11, 2009

OTTAWA - Earlier today, Prime Minister Harper provided an update on the government’s progress in implementing Economic Action Plan initiatives to stimulate the economy, create jobs and support those who are hardest hit by the global recession.

The report highlights that Canada continues to be in the strongest financial position of any G-7 country, even with these historic investments.  Experts such as the International Monetary Fund judge the Economic Action Plan to be a “timely, appropriately sized, diversified and well structured” response to the global recession.

“Our government has taken unprecedented and extraordinary action to accelerate the job creating investments in Canada’s Economic Action Plan,” said local MP Guy Lauzon.  “80 per cent of this year's part of our two year plan is already being implemented and projects are getting underway across Canada and right here in Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry.

The unprecedented action on the part of the Conservative government means that families and businesses are now paying less tax, unemployed workers are receiving improved supports, and major job-creating building projects are already breaking ground.  The Economic Action plan is already:

• permanently reducing the tax burden on Canadians;
• providing tax relief and improved access to financing for Canadian households and businesses;
• assisting unemployed workers through extended EI benefits and improved skills training;
• supporting home ownership and creating jobs through housing construction;
• creating jobs through a massive injection of infrastructure spending;
• supporting the industries and communities hardest hit by the global recession; and
• investing in the jobs of tomorrow through new supports for research and technology.

“While 80% of these investments are already under way, it is important to remember that this is a two year plan and we will be rolling out specific projects over the coming months to ensure every region receives maximum benefits,” said Lauzon. “Now is not the time for partisan games from the Opposition.  While the Liberals posture for an election, we remain focussed on the economy.   In fact, an unnecessary opportunistic election would only delay Canada’s Economic Action Plan from helping those who need it now.”

For more information on the progress report please visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.