Budget 2010 is about jobs and growth. It is about phase two of Canada’s Economic Plan, an historic two-year response to the global economic recession initiative that was timely, targeted and temporary. And it is about laying the groundwork for our return to balanced budgets once our economic stability is secured.
Budget 2010 is an extension of the prudent management and vision our government has consistently demonstrated. Back in 2006 we laid out a strategic, long-term economic plan called Advantage Canada to chart our country’s future.
It was a road map that acknowledged our transition economy was evolving to new jobs requiring new skills and way of thinking. It mapped out and answered the questions where do we need to go and how will we get there.
We set out to strengthen our nation, and show a modern, ambitious and dynamic Canada to the world - to create jobs, to help entrepreneurs start businesses, and to provide the wealth Canada needs to invest in health care and strong communities.
In 2006 we identified 5 advantages for Canada and developed a road map to translate these into opportunities:
- Our Tax Advantage - to reduce taxes for all Canadians and establish the lowest tax rate on new business investment in the G7,
- Our Fiscal Advantage - to continue to eliminate our debt to create a strong foundation on which to build sustainable prosperity.
- Our Entrepreneurial Advantage - by reducing regulation and red tape and building a more competitive business environment,
- Our Knowledge Advantage- by creating the best-educated, most-skilled and most flexible workforce in the world,
- Our Infrastructure Advantage - to create modern, world-class infrastructure to ensure the seamless flow of people, goods and services across our roads and bridges, through our ports and gateways, and through public transit.
As we continue to work at developing these advantages through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, these strategic investments have paid off with new jobs, partnerships and products. Our local communities have been the beneficiaries.
We know that small and medium size businesses employ half of Canada’s workforce and are leading the way out of the recession. Budget 2010’s Commercialization Innovation Program for small and medium sized companies will support this sector by helping these companies develop and market new technology, thereby creating new markets and employment. This is just one of the many specific, strategic actions that our government is taking to help businesses today, create the jobs of the future. Should you want more information on Budget 2010 please contact my office at 905-953-7515.
Lois Brown, M.P.
