Rivière-du-Loup, Quebec – Ok, hello everyone.
Some business people are joining us today to discuss economic issues, and I want to thank everyone for being here.
Everyone here has a very busy schedule, so I appreciate your taking the time to participate in this event.
We’re in the process of preparing our upcoming federal budget and the next steps in our Economic Action Plan.
To date, Canada has had an outstanding record among developed countries, but the reality is that challenges remain.
And these challenges are not insignificant. We still have uncertainties and holdups in our main traditional markets.
At the same time, though we have opportunities in emerging economies, the competition can be fierce in these markets.
So we’re looking for ideas across the country to continue creating jobs and economic growth.
We still intend to balance the federal budget by the end of our current mandate, without raising taxes, but at the same time we need to invest in order to spur growth and job creation.
I eagerly await your ideas, and once again, thank you for being here.
