January 11, 2010

Phase Two of Canada’s Economic Action Plan

The economy remains Canadians' top priority and our top priority.  As we rapidly implemented our Economic Action Plan over the course of 2009, the Canadian job market dramatically improved. For the second half of 2009, Canada gained an average of 7,000 new jobs a month. 

For the first time in a generation, the U.S. unemployment rate is nearly 2 percentage points higher than Canada’s.  But despite these signs of stabilization, the global economic recovery remains fragile making Phase II of our Economic Action Plan crucial. We will continue rolling out the remaining stimulus projects across the country.

At the same time, we are also looking ahead to future challenges, especially restoring balanced budgets once our economy is fully recovered and building a strong foundation for future economic growth.

Over the course of the next few weeks, our Government will be consulting with ordinary Canadians from all walks of life on what needs to be done to effectively implement the second phase of our Economic Action Plan.  Members of our government will be in every part of the country hearing from Canadian families, homeowners, workers, business-owners and industries about how best to meet our shared goals, and build a strong foundation for our economic future.

Finally, I’d also like to remind everyone about the Home Renovation Tax Credit. There are only a few weeks left to take advantage of this popular measure. 

Canadians undertaking eligible renovations to their homes before February 1, 2010 will receive up to $1,350 in tax relief from the temporary tax credit.

This tax credit was a key component of our Economic Action Plan, providing powerful incentives for Canadians to invest in their homes while realizing significant tax saving, helping to create jobs in the construction and home-building industry.

Millions of families throughout the country have already taken advantage of the credit, supporting job creation in the housing industry.

As we enter into Phase II of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, our Conservative government’s priority will be to continue the rapid and effective implementation of the remaining stimulus projects across the country, introduce plans to restore balanced budgets once the economy is fully recovered and continue to build a strong foundation for our economic future.  

Please feel free to contact my office if you have any concerns or issues you would like to discuss.  You may contact my office toll free at 1-866-333-1933 or at 204-326-9889 or in Lac du Bonnet at 204-345-9762.  You may write my office at 8 - 227 Main Street, Steinbach, MB R5G 1Y7, by fax at 204-346-9874 or by e-mail at toewsv1@mts.net.