Harper Government sets out guiding principles to support Canadian families and communities
Ottawa –The Honourable John Baird, Government House Leader, and the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of State (Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec), today outlined the Harper Government’s objectives and priorities for the fall parliamentary session.
“As the Prime Minister said when he asked me to take on this job, the economy remains the number one priority of Canadians and of our Government. An unnecessary election is the last thing that Canadians and our economy need at this time,” said Minister Baird. “At a time when our economic growth is still uncertain, our Government is focused on jobs, security and prosperity for Canadian families and communities.”
The Harper Government knows that Canada’s long-term prosperity is driven by the creativity, ingenuity, and common-sense of entrepreneurs, small business owners and hard working families across the country.
Over the coming months, our actions will be guided by three bold principles:
- Supporting job creation and economic growth;
- Keeping our communities, streets and families safe from terrorism and crime; and
- Mapping the path to economic recovery, re-growth and jobs for Canadians.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, the Government will achieve these objectives by completing the implementation of Canada's Economic Action Plan, the Government’s recession fighting program designed to create and preserve jobs and foster economic growth. In addition, the Government will combat the abuse of Canada’s “generous” immigration system by human smugglers, so that those responsible for this terrible crime can be caught and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Finally, to lead Canada down the road to prosperity, the Government will keep taxes low and exercise fiscal restraint.
“Canadians need Parliament to work so that Canada's Economic Action Plan can continue to fight off the global economic recession. We want to do our part and to work cooperatively with all opposition parties to put the economy first,” said Minister Lebel. “Our Plan has helped gain back more than 400,000 jobs since June 2009. And our Government is still working hard to create jobs and support economic growth from coast to coast to coast.”
The Government will seek the wisdom, guidance and common sense of Canadians in crafting the next phase of our economic action plan for Canada. The stakes remain high, and more than ever, our Government must make the right decisions in order to map out the long-term direction of the Canadian economy.
“Our Government will be working hard to ‘Make Parliament Work,’ to avoid an unwanted and unnecessary election, and to ensure our economy emerges stronger than ever,” reaffirmed Minister Baird. “We will continue to support Canada’s entrepreneurs and small business owners as they help generate long term prosperity, jobs and growth in communities across our great land.”
Over the coming months, Prime Minister Harper, Cabinet and members of Caucus will travel across Canada, from hamlets to megacities to engage Canadian families and workers on Canada’s long term economic action plan.
For more information, contact:
James Kusie
Director of Issues Management and Parliamentary Affairs
Office of the Government House Leader
613-995-7226
Benoit Fortin
Special Assistant, Communications
Office of the Minister of State (Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec)
819-997-3319
