Originally Posted by Novocastrian

What about a Liberal majority? Eh?

The longer Harper keeps cocking up, the more likely that is.

Originally Posted by airbornesapper

Since you ask...build on this for starters....Enjoy...

WHAT HAS BEEN DONE: ...

Originally Posted by JonboyE

**** me............ As usual he abandoned any pretense of principle to hang on to power.

Originally Posted by JonboyE

**** me.

I didn't ask what he has done, I asked what he was going to do. A brief precis in your own words would be a lot more informative.

It is also worth repeating that the Economic Action Plan was not Harper's idea or wish. Don't you remember his very Callaghanesque "What crisis?" As usual he abandoned any pretense of principle to hang on to power.

Originally Posted by Alan2005

.....I just wish it didn't make my mouse wheel finger ache so much scrolling past it.....

Originally Posted by airbornesapper

Since you ask...build on this for starters....Enjoy...

WHAT HAS BEEN DONE:

http://www.actionplan.gc.ca/eng/feature.asp?featureId=

Tax Relief for Individuals, Families and Businesses

The Economic Action Plan introduced significant new personal income tax reductions that are providing relief, particularly for low- and middle-income Canadians, as well as measures to help Canadians purchase or improve their homes. These tax reductions allow individuals and families to keep more of their hard-earned money and improve incentives to work, save and invest, while also contributing to the Government’s long-term economic agenda. For example:

The amount of income that Canadians can earn before paying federal income tax was further increased, and the top of the two lowest income tax brackets was increased so that Canadians can earn more income before being subject to higher tax rates.

The Working Income Tax Benefit, first introduced in Budget 2007, was effectively doubled. This enhancement lowered the “welfare wall” by further strengthening work incentives for low-income Canadians already in the workforce and encouraging other low-income Canadians to enter the workforce. Canadians have been able to receive enhanced benefits since filing their 2009 tax returns.

The level at which the National Child Benefit supplement for low-income families is fully phased out and the level at which the Canada Child Tax Benefit begins to be phased out were raised, which provided an additional benefit of up to $438 per year (in the 2010–11 benefit year) for a family with two children. Additional monthly benefits under these programs began to be paid to families with children in July 2009.

The Age Credit amount was increased by $1,000 in 2009 to provide tax relief to low- and middle-income seniors. With indexation, this means additional tax savings of up to $153 for low-income seniors in 2011.

To assist first-time home buyers, Canada’s Economic Action Plan provided a new tax credit of up to $750, as well as additional access to their Registered Retirement Savings Plan savings to purchase or build a home.
The tax relief measures introduced in the Economic Action Plan added to the substantial tax relief provided by the Government since 2006 in support of its agenda to promote long-term economic growth—in addition to providing important short-term stimulus. Tax relief being provided to individuals and families totals about $160 billion over 2008–09 and the following five fiscal years and includes the following key actions:

All Canadians—even those who do not earn enough to pay personal income tax—are benefiting from the 2-percentage-point reduction in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate. Maintaining the GST Credit level while reducing the GST rate by 2 percentage points translates into more than $1.1 billion in GST Credit benefits annually for low- and modest-income Canadians, making purchases more affordable for these Canadians.
All taxpayers are benefiting from the reduction in the lowest personal income tax rate to 15 per cent from 16 per cent.
The Tax-Free Savings Account, introduced in Budget 2008, is improving incentives to save through a flexible, registered general-purpose account that allows Canadians to earn tax-free investment income.
The Government also introduced relief measures targeted to help families, students, seniors and pensioners, workers, persons with disabilities, and communities.
Helping the Unemployed

The first phase of Canada’s Economic Action Plan includes $8.3 billion over two years to support workers most affected by the global recession. Because of quick and decisive measures taken by the Government, Canada’s economy has recovered virtually all of the jobs lost during the downturn. As temporary stimulus measures begin to wind down, the Government has taken additional steps to secure the recovery by limiting Employment Insurance (EI) premium rate increases to 5 cents per $100 of insurable earnings for 2011 and 10 cents for subsequent years. This will help businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, to continue to create jobs in the recovery.

Investing in training is one way that the first phase of the Economic Action Plan helps to prepare Canadians to compete for better jobs in a knowledge-based economy. Enhanced EI training provides opportunities for workers to gain additional skills and return to work. For those who do not qualify for EI, the Government set up the Strategic Training and Transition Fund for skills enhancement and training. For youth, who have been particularly affected by the downturn, the Action Plan provides additional funding for programs such as the Canada Summer Jobs Program.

The first phase of Canada’s Economic Action Plan took immediate and decisive action to protect jobs and help Canadians directly affected by the global recession. At the same time, the Government has maintained a focus on the economy of the future by contributing to the development of a skilled, flexible and knowledgeable workforce in order to lay the foundation for long-term sustainable jobs. Through these initiatives, the Government continues to support jobs and training in 2010–11.

An extra five weeks of EI benefits have already been provided to more than 1 million EI claimants. This extension of benefits was available to workers making EI claims up to September 11, 2010. Claimants in regions of high unemployment will receive extra weeks of benefits into the summer of 2011.
More than 14,000 long-tenured unemployed workers have received additional assistance through the Career Transition Assistance program in order to participate in long-term training.
To date, almost 164,000 long-tenured workers have received 5 to 20 weeks of additional EI benefits. This extension was available to long-tenured workers establishing claims up to September 11, 2010. In high unemployment regions, recent long-tenured claimants can receive these extra weeks of benefits into the fall of 2011.
In December 2010, over 35,000 Canadians were participating in close to 2,000 work-sharing agreements (Chart 2.2.2). The number of participants in work-sharing continues to decrease as the recovery takes hold.
Since April 1, 2009, payments have been made to more than 28,000 claimants under the Wage Earner Protection Program.
The Government has responded to the needs of Canada’s self-employed workers by providing EI special benefits, on a voluntary basis, including maternity, parental, sickness and compassionate care benefits. The self‑employed have been able to opt in to EI special benefits since January 31, 2010 and are able to apply for benefits as of January 2011. Close to 6,000 self-employed persons have opted in to the EI program under this provision.
The Government provided $750 million per year to the provinces and territories in 2009–10 and 2010–11 in support of training and skills development programs, which has benefited more than 200,000 Canadians annually.
It is expected that current projects under the enhanced Targeted Initiative for Older Workers will provide support to over 9,900 older workers.
Approximately 7,000 summer jobs were created as a result of additional support provided to the Canada Summer Jobs Program in 2009–10 and 2010–11.
Training and skills development support will be provided to close to 13,000 Aboriginal Canadians through the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership and the Aboriginal Skills and Training Strategic Investment Fund.
Apprenticeship Completion Grants have already been provided to more than 38,000 apprentices who completed their apprenticeship training and obtained their certification in any of the designated Red Seal trades.
Support is being provided to implement the Pan-Canadian Framework for the Assessment and Recognition of Foreign Qualifications. As of December 2010, 66 new agreements are in place to support implementation of the Framework in 21 professions.
Funding has supported 988 youth internships in not-for-profit and community service organizations through the YMCA and YWCA, 91 per cent of which have an environmental focus.
Building Infrastructure to Create Jobs

Every region of the country is benefiting from investments in various types of provincial, territorial and municipal infrastructure thanks to Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

Streamlining the process required for securing federal approval of infrastructure projects.
Announcing more than $3.6 billion in federal funding towards 111 large strategic infrastructure projects that are worth over $12 billion under the Major Infrastructure Component of the Building Canada Fund, including projects that improve transit, and make water cleaner and highways safer.
Fully committing the initial funding that was made available under the Communities Component of the Building Canada Fund. This represents approximately $1 billion in federal funding to support over 800 infrastructure projects in smaller communities (i.e., those with populations of less than 100,000 people). When combined with funding from provinces and municipalities, these projects represent a total investment in excess of $3 billion.
Transferring more than $1.1 billion to provinces and territories through the Provincial/Territorial Base Funding Initiative. Most provinces and territories agreed to take advantage of the federal offer to accelerate funding under the initiative during the two years of the Economic Action Plan. This funding was originally scheduled to flow over seven years (from 2007 to 2014).
Federal investments in green infrastructure include:

$130 million to build a transmission line that will tap into the renewable energy potential of northern British Columbia (e.g., hydro, geothermal, wind and biomass).
$11 million for wastewater improvements in the City of Winnipeg that will improve water quality in the Red River and Lake Winnipeg.
$234 million for eight wastewater projects in Ontario that will improve water quality, particularly in the Great Lakes Basin.
$171 million for six projects in Quebec that will reduce the amount of solid waste going to landfills and generate green energy.
Close to $10 million for the City of Saint John’s Green Thermal Utility (a non-emitting and sustainable heating and cooling system).
$71 million for a hydro generation and transmission project in the Yukon that will boost the availability of green power in the territory.
First Nations Infrastructure:

$174-million investment in 12 school projects.
$191-million investment in 23 water and wastewater projects.
$135-million investment in health service infrastructure, including 40 major projects and numerous minor projects underway or completed.
$15-million investment in 20 First Nations policing infrastructure projects.
Advancing Canada’s Knowledge Economy and Creating Better Jobs

Canada’s Economic Action Plan includes almost $4 billion over two years for post-secondary education and research, technology and innovation, and environmental protection. These measures are consistent with the Government’s long-term plan to enhance Canada’s research capacity and to prepare Canadians to compete for better jobs in a knowledge-based economy. The Economic Action Plan is also helping to create jobs and promote economic growth in Canada by supporting small and medium-sized companies. Other investments will improve Canadians’ access to broadband Internet, modernize federal laboratories, and strengthen Canada’s position as a global leader in clean energy.

The Knowledge Infrastructure Program is providing $2 billion for university and college infrastructure projects, including repair, maintenance and construction. Federal funding covers up to half of eligible project costs incurred, with other partners providing the balance. More than 520 projects at colleges and universities across Canada have been completed or are underway. These projects account for virtually all the funding available under the Knowledge Infrastructure Program.

Through Budget 2009, the Government committed to provide the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) with additional funding of $750 million to accelerate investment in state-of-the-art research facilities and equipment. This funding represents an investment in a stronger knowledge-based economy, as the research infrastructure supported by the CFI will underpin the creation of new knowledge and provide invaluable learning experiences for our best and brightest students. The CFI has already committed $150 million of this funding to 28 exceptional projects through its 2009 competition, while $600 million will support the CFI’s future activities. Of this amount, the CFI has announced that over $200 million will be used to support current and new infrastructure that promotes leading-edge research, $185 million will be used to support the operations of Major Science Initiatives across Canada, over $180 million will be directed to attracting and retaining the world’s best researchers, and over $30 million will be earmarked for a new fund dedicated to supporting research equipment and facilities at colleges and polytechnics. These investments will promote research excellence while strengthening Canada’s long-term economic competitiveness.

The Government has allocated almost $250 million to upgrade and modernize federal laboratories doing research in a wide array of fields, including health, safety, security, transportation, environmental protection, and heritage. Construction has begun or has been completed on nearly 100 per cent of identified projects at 14 federal departments and agencies.

Canada’s Economic Action Plan established the $1-billion Clean Energy Fund, including up to $150 million for clean energy research and development and $850 million for clean energy demonstration projects. The projects to be supported by the fund are expected to assist in increasing the deployment of renewable and clean technologies.

As part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, $225 million was provided to Industry Canada over three years to develop and implement a strategy to extend broadband coverage to as many unserved and underserved households as possible. The biggest component of this strategy is the Broadband Canada: Connecting Rural Canadians program. By March 31, 2012, over 200,000 additional households are expected to have access to broadband. Also, through the Community Access Program, the Government is providing support to extend affordable access to the Internet to thousands of Canadians.

Supporting Industries and Communities

The Government is continuing to deliver support to vulnerable communities through initiatives such as the $1‑billion Community Adjustment Fund. Over 1,850 projects are now either completed or underway across Canada under the Fund.

Budget 2009 increased the Government’s support for economic activity in the North by providing $50 million over five years to establish the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) and $90 million over five years to renew the Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development program. Since its launch, CanNor has invested in infrastructure, job creation and community development, enabling the residents of the North to take advantage of economic opportunities.

The global economic downturn and the collapse in the U.S. housing market have created challenges for the forestry sector. Under the Economic Action Plan, $170 million over two years was available for Natural Resources Canada to support market diversification and innovation initiatives in the forestry sector, including research and demonstration projects on new forest products and initiatives to help forestry companies market innovative products internationally to protect and create jobs.

In 2010–11, the Marquee Tourism Events Program will provide support to events across Canada, such as the Charlottetown Festival, Carnaval de Québec, Niagara Wine Festival, Red River Exhibition and Pacific National Exhibition in order to stimulate the economy and help promote Canada as a global destination of choice. In total, the Government has allocated about $90 million to support more than 100 marquee tourism events that deliver world-class programs and experiences in support of tourism and the visitor economy.

The Government of Canada is also providing up to $8 million through the Canadian Tourism Commission for additional promotional activities in priority international markets for the Canadian tourism industry.

The Economic Action Plan provided $175 million to the Canadian Coast Guard to purchase 98 new boats and to repair and refit 40 existing large vessels.

The Government has delivered unprecedented levels of investment in Canada’s cultural industries, creating jobs and supporting the creative economy. In the last two years, the Government has charted a course that will allow our creative industries to navigate the changing technological and economic landscapes, with over $335 million in support for culture and the arts.

Improving Access to Financing and Strengthening Canada’s Financial System

Canada’s financial system has shown exceptional stability throughout the global financial crisis, with its banking system being recognized as the soundest in the world. For the third year in a row, the World Economic Forum has ranked Canada 1st out of over 130 countries on its “soundness of banks” criteria. However, Canada was not immune to the global crisis, and the Government took timely and effective measures to provide extraordinary liquidity to the financial system and mitigate the impact of the global credit crunch on the Canadian economy. It is clear that strong financial institutions, capital markets and financial sector regulations and supervision are essential to economic growth and prosperity and will continue to be vital for a sustained recovery in Canada and elsewhere in the world.

While the Canadian financial system withstood the global financial crisis better than most, the crisis made it difficult for Canadian banks and other lenders to obtain funds from international markets at reasonable costs. To soften the impact of the crisis, the first phase of Canada’s Economic Action Plan included measures to provide up to $200 billion to support lending to Canadian households and businesses through the Extraordinary Financing Framework.

The Extraordinary Financing Framework measures, most of which are ending as credit conditions improve, include: the Insured Mortgage Purchase Program; a new 10-year maturity in the ongoing Canada Mortgage Bond program; the Canadian Secured Credit Facility; support for the Bank of Canada’s emergency liquidity measures; increased flexibilities and capacities for financial Crown corporations, including the introduction of the Business Credit Availability Program; and assurance facilities for banks and insurance companies. All of this support has been offered on a commercial basis to protect taxpayers.

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING
SEVENTH REPORT TO CANADIANS

http://www.actionplan.gc.ca/eng/feat...p?featureId=21

“It is clear to our members that the Economic Action Plan has played a significant role in assisting Canadian manufacturers weather the recession and has allowed the addition of critical infrastructure in Canada.”

— Michael McSweeney, President and CEO, Cement Association of Canada, February 2, 2011

“On fiscal stabilization, the government appropriately charts a course to fiscal balance over the medium term. This would put net debt-to-GDP ratio on a downward trajectory from already low levels, maintaining Canada’s standing as [having] the strongest fiscal position in the G-7.”

— International Monetary Fund (IMF), Canada: 2010 Article IV Consultation, December 2010

“We found that the programs we examined were designed in a manner to allow for timely implementation while maintaining suitable controls.”

— Fall 2010 Report of the Auditor General of Canada

“The Economic Action Plan was a partnership between governments to protect Canadians during a global crisis—and that partnership has delivered results. Municipalities are co-funding $10 billion worth of stimulus projects that will keep 100,000 Canadians on the job and supporting their families.”

— Hans Cunningham, President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, December 2010

“Twenty-two years ago we wrote an editorial—“North, to Argentina”—warning Canada that economic prosperity isn’t a birthright but requires sound policies like free trade. Nowadays, that’s a lecture Canada could credibly deliver to Washington on business taxes.”

— The Wall Street Journal, January 4, 2011

“The medium-term consolidation plans are appropriately ambitious, and include growth-friendly measures.”

— International Monetary Fund, Canada: 2010 Article IV Consultation, December 2010

“Lower corporate tax rates encourage businesses to invest more in new facilities, machinery, and equipment.”

— Jayson Myers, President & CEO Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters “The Economic Impact of Corporate Tax Rate Reductions”, January 2011

EXTENSION OF DEADLINE FOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

“We applaud the federal government for standing by its stimulus partners. Municipalities have worked flat out to keep 90 per cent of projects on schedule. Now they'll have one more construction season to turn every last stimulus dollar into a job.”

— Hans Cunningham, President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, December 2, 2010

“I think I've been in this industry for 40 years and I've never seen a federal-provincial program get rolled out so quickly. In fact, we thought it was at light speed. And in terms of the success, it has created a huge number of jobs. And in addition to that, the number of jobs it actually saved in our industry has been incredible.”

— Paul Charette, Chairman of Bird Construction Income Fund, December 2, 2010

“The announcement today by the Government of Canada enables our members to complete the expansion and modernization of their infrastructure in a fair and reasonable manner.”

— John Davies, President of Humber College and Chair of Polytechnics Canada, December 2, 2010

“Today’s announcement is welcome news. Ontario municipalities have been working hard to complete stimulus projects on time and indications are the vast majority of projects will meet their deadlines.”

— Association of Municipalities of Ontario, December 2, 2010

SIXTH REPORT TO CANADIANS

“To sustain recovery, we need to follow through on delivering existing stimulus plans, while working to create the conditions for robust private demand.”

— G-20 Declaration, Toronto Summit, June 27, 2010

“…advanced economies have committed to fiscal plans that will at least halve deficits by 2013 and stabilize or reduce government debt-to-GDP ratios by 2016.”

— G-20 Declaration, Toronto Summit, June 27, 2010

“Canada’s Economic Action Plan is '…large, timely, well diversified and structured for maximum effectiveness.'”

— International Monetary Fund (IMF), Canada: 2009 Article IV Consultation, May 2009

“To their credit, even during the crisis, Canadian governments carried through with structural reforms.”

— Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Economic Survey of Canada 2010, September 13, 2010

“Canada is benefiting from its past good policies, in spite of the fact that Canada was severely hit through trade...from south of the border.”

— Pier Carlo Padoan, OECD Chief Economist April 8, 2010

“Canada is increasingly on the lips and minds of international investors. Those we’ve talked to are getting religion on Canada’s potential outperformance versus a growing list of advanced economies. Indeed, it’s hard to recall a time when the country possessed such relative, if not absolute, strength.”

— Warren Lovely, Macro Strategy Group, CIBC World Markets Inc., July 14, 2010

“According to the IMF and OECD, Canada is expected to be the fastest growing economy in the G-7 over 2010 and 2011.”

— IMF, World Economic Outlook Update, July 2010 and OECD, Economic Outlook No. 87, May 2010

“Canada entered the global crisis in good shape, and thus the exit strategy appears less challenging than elsewhere.”

— IMF, World Economic Outlook, April 2010

“So while the global outlook remains murky and Canada still faces real challenges, I believe there is good reason for confidence about our country’s prospects. We need to avoid complacency, especially in ensuring that our governments drive down recessionary deficits as quickly as possible once the recovery takes hold. But in both the public and private sector, we are on the right track, and should become increasingly attractive to both people and capital across a broad range of industries in services and manufacturing as well as resources.”

— John Manley, President and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Council of Chief Executives, at the Euromoney Canada Forum 2010, Toronto, April 22, 2010

“The economic cost of giving up the three-point reduction in the federal corporate income tax rate planned by 2013 would be a long-run loss of $47 billion in capital investment and 233,000 jobs.”

— Duanjie Chen and Jack Mintz report “Canada’s Tax Competitiveness after a Decade of Reforms: Still an Unfinished Plan”, May 2010

FIFTH REPORT TO CANADIANS

“We need to continue to deliver the stimulus to which we are mutually committed and begin to look ahead to exit strategies and move to a more sustainable fiscal track, consistent with continued recovery.”

— G7 Chair's Summary, the Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, G7 Meeting of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors, Iqaluit, Nunavut, February 6, 2010

“Due to the still-fragile nature of the recovery, fiscal policies need to remain supportive of economic activity in the near term. The fiscal stimulus planned for 2010 should be fully implemented.”

— IMF, World Economic Outlook Update, January 2010

“Through Work-Sharing, we were able to keep our key staff during a tough time. We were able to maintain the integrity of our workforce skills. This allowed us to continue delivering quality products and customer service with complete respect to our employees and customers. I would recommend the program to any company that is experiencing a temporary reduction in business activities.”

— Allie Craswell, Director of Supply Chain, Nova Agri Inc.

“We would have had to lay people off. We have been able to avoid layoffs because of this program. It really helped workers. Without the program, they would have had to give up one fifth of their earnings. Now, through the Work-Sharing program, employees get benefits. It's a little less money, but they don't feel like they have to go out and get a five-day job. Replacing a job is just not that easy.”

— Paul Stewart, General Manager Northern Uniform Service

“When the economic downturn affected our enterprise client, they suspended a 460-unit project which was less than fifty percent completed at the time. Staff reduction resulted as we tried to rectify the contract with our client under strained economic conditions. Work-Sharing allowed us to keep the doors open and keep essential staff. Some staff members continued to seek out new opportunities while others were kept to expand and enhance the re-growth we knew would come. With the change in the economy and by diversifying our customer base, we would need to ramp up production again and keeping employees with key skills was imperative. Keeping 37 people employed allowed us to be ready for new projects and the restart of the previous project. This program also put us in position to rehire many of the staff that were laid off. We are one of a few organizations in the Swift Current area that incorporated the Work-Sharing agreement into their survival strategy. Work-Sharing has had a vast impact on the community of Swift Current and surrounding area.”

— Tanja MacIsaac, Business Manager MODUS Modular Structures Inc.

“We estimate that the tax credit likely bolstered renovation activity by an additional $4.3 billion above what it would have been over January 2009 to January 2010—which represents a 0.3% boost to real GDP. As a result, renovation investment was one of the first components of the Canadian economy to fully bounce back from the economic downturn … Were it not for government economic stimulus, renovation investment would have been materially weaker in 2009 … The renovation stimulus measure helped to support a Canadian economic recovery through increasing demand for housing-related goods and services at a time when most other areas of the economy remain weak.”

— TD Economics Observation, February 17, 2010

“I think this is a great idea. Anything that is getting people to spend money when they normally wouldn't and gives them a break at the same time is good. We are seeing money pumping into the economy for buying materials and other things and it all gets passed down the line, right down to the truck driving and transport industry.”

— Mark Buyan of MB Home Improvements & Construction, Penticton Western News, January 7, 2010

“Manufacturers in Manitoba have been getting a shot in the arm from an unlikely source—the federal home renovation tax credit program, which is bolstering sales and saving jobs. The chief executive (Craig McIntosh) of Acrylon Plastics, which manufactures PVC window frames, said the home renovation tax credit program has sent window-frame sales into record-setting territory for the Winnipeg company. "The renovation side (of the housing market) just really took off in April and May and it hasn't slowed down at all … It was a record November for us." Before last spring, when the impact of the two-month-old federal HRTC program really started to be felt, Acrylon had been girding for the worst … Then along came the HRTC program … For firms like Acrylon, it was the perfect tonic … "We were getting ready for it to be a very slow summer … Then all of a sudden we were saying, ‘What recession?’”

— Winnipeg Free Press, December 2, 2009

FOURTH REPORT TO CANADIANS

“…Canada’s large fiscal stimulus package and unprecedented monetary easing are supporting domestic demand. In this context, and with household and financial institution balance sheets stronger than in many countries, Canada’s economy is relatively well positioned to resume expansion.”

— IMF, November 12, 2009

“We are grateful to the Government of Quebec and the Government of Canada for this crucial support. The Knowledge Infrastructure Program funding will allow McGill to address a few of our most urgent maintenance projects that have been deferred for several years, allow for greatly needed renovations and upgrades at some of our research facilities as well as the construction of an innovative centre at the Douglas Institute.”

— Heather Munroe-Blum, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of McGill University, September 14, 2009

“We are expanding our ability to deliver more programs and courses in our communities, using technologies that until now were not accessible to us. The opportunities created by this investment will revolutionize the way we learn, and teach, in Nunavut.”

— Mike Shouldice, Acting President of Nunavut Arctic College, September 23, 2009

“We are extremely grateful to the federal and provincial governments for their investment in a facility that will benefit an industry that is so important to the economic development of our region.”

— Greg Lee, President and Vice-Chancellor of Capilano University, Capilano University press release, August 6, 2009

“There are now some signs of improvement in our industry. We hope to see an improved economy, and it is good to know that the Work-Sharing program was here to assist us when we needed it.”

— Tony Davis, Director of Corporate Human Resources, Global Upholstery Co. Inc.

“Due to current market realities, we needed to temporarily reduce production levels by approximately 20 to 25 percent. With the flexibility of Work-Sharing, we have the ability to retain a skilled employee base.”

— Mara Doepker, Corporate Administration Manager, Doepker Industries Ltd.

“This program clearly demonstrates the value of the partnership between the federal government, the province and TransLink in delivering improvements to Metro Vancouver’s transportation system…Our intention is to put the dollars to work as soon as possible.”

— Dale Parker, Chair, TransLink

“…I would like to underscore the importance of the Home Renovation Tax Credit to the Canadian home improvement industry, to contractors, and to the many Canadian consumers who, with the help of the federal tax credit, are investing their own dollars to help spur the economy.”

— Michael Rowe, Vice President, Finance, The Home Depot Canada, November 3, 2009

“We are delighted that our co-operative will benefit from the federal government’s renovation and retrofit initiative delivered by CMHC. Not only will this funding make our co-op more energy efficient, but it will also help ensure these homes are available to meet the needs of future generations.”

— Richard Silver, President of Haney Pioneer Village Co-operative

“SIP units far exceed energy efficiency standards, and that will mean less operating and maintenance costs in a harsh Arctic environment. The use of SIP housing units is one of many means used by the Housing Corporation in a continuing effort, which is shared by Ottawa and the Corporation’s community partners, to meet Nunavut’s housing needs.”

— Hunter Tootoo, Minister Responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation

“This project will improve efficiency along one of the busiest sections of highway on Prince Edward Island. But beyond that, projects like these provide jobs and boost the economy on the Island. The Government of Prince Edward Island is very pleased to have been able to partner with the federal government to make these highway expansions a reality.”

— Ron MacKinley, Minister of Transportation and Public Works, Prince Edward Island

“Canada’s Economic Action Plan has been instrumental in assisting the Piikani Nation establish long-term and sustainable working relationships with professional contractors and suppliers, train and employ up to 35 Piikani Nation members, kick-start our market housing strategy and most importantly improve our living conditions.”

— Reg Crowshoe, Piikani Nation Chief

THIRD REPORT TO CANADIANS

“We have a pretty stable group of people here, and they don't want to leave any more than we want them to go.”

— Lyle Enns, President and CEO, Creative Connectors

“By keeping all our staff, we are able to keep our skills base. We focus on training and keeping our people to allow us to serve the customer better. If an order comes in, we can deliver it quickly.”

— John Simpson, Director of Personnel and Human Resources, Standen's Limited

“Unlike many new tax policies which only get noticed by accountants and actuaries, the Government of Canada has successfully communicated the introduction of the Home Renovation Tax Credit to Canadians.”

— Jeff Walker, Senior Vice-President, Harris/Decima

“What we are hearing from our dealers right across the country is that people are definitely taking advantage of this opportunity [the Home Renovation Tax Credit] to invest in their homes.”

— Rob Wallace, Spokesman, Home Hardware, The Ottawa Sun, August 4, 2009

“This new and exciting housing project comes at a time when both the Musqueam leadership and Musqueam members have identified our housing needs as the number one priority in our community. Through this project, our people, long on housing waiting lists, will have an opportunity to raise their families in safe and healthy homes.”

— Chief Ernest Campbell, Musqueam First Nation

“I think there's no question it's increased economic activity, it's created jobs, it's definitely shown consumer confidence in renovating their homes, and I think it's done a lot of good for the industry and for consumers … it obviously has kept the industry stronger in these tough times and in job creation as well.”

— Canadian Home Builders' Association, November 3, 2009

SECOND REPORT TO CANADIANS

“The move to provide the (five week) benefit extension passes the test of getting more money into the hands of the unemployed and, in our view, marked a good compromise between providing short-term financial assistance to unemployed and cost.”

— TD Bank, Is Canada’s Employment Insurance Program Adequate?, April 30, 2009

“On behalf of the entire University community, I thank both governments sincerely for this important investment. It will make a world of difference in our ability to build the infrastructure our students and faculty need. This investment is a major contribution towards our efforts to create a world class research and learning environment for both students and faculty.”

— The Honourable Allan Rock, President of the University of Ottawa, May 25, 2009

“The government has clearly heard the message and embraced our vision of becoming the producers of the best quality, most innovative and greenest forest products in the world. And it understands that in order to get there Canada needs to attract investment and secure the jobs of nearly 300,000 skilled Canadians forest workers and the communities they work in.”

— Avrim Lazar, President and CEO of the
Forest Products Association of Canada, January 27, 2009

“Spring is giving new life to the residential real estate market. The people that we’re seeing out there buying right now are a lot of first-time buyers. There’s been enough incentives to help them out (such as the federal homebuyers’ plan and the first-time home buyer tax credit).”

— Bonnie Wegerich, President, Calgary Real Estate Board, Calgary Herald, May 2, 2009

“Survey results released today by residential mortgage company ResMor Trust Company show that 94% of Canadian homeowners who are planning to do renovations between April, 2009 and February 1, 2010 will use the Home Renovation Tax Credit (HRTC) introduced by the Federal Government earlier this year. In fact, 39% of those surveyed said their decision to renovate was positively influenced by the introduction of the HRTC… 70% of Canadian homeowners surveyed intend to renovate their homes before February 1, 2010… 39% of Canadian homeowners who are planning renovations said their decision to renovate, or the amount they will spend on their renovation, was influenced by the HRTC.”

— ResMor Trust Company news release, April 29, 2009

FIRST REPORT TO CANADIANS

“The investments in worker training through EI, the extension of the EI work-sharing program and support to communities that have been affected by the economic downturn, are welcome initiatives that will help more Canadians keep their jobs and employers hold onto talented workers.”

— Forest Products Association of Canada, press release, January 27, 2009

“They're lowering the lowest and middle income tax brackets. They're boosting the working tax benefit and the personal exemption. These are very good things particularly for low income Canadians.”

— Craig Alexander, TD Bank Deputy Chief Economist, January 27, 2009

“These tax changes will put money back in the pockets of Canadians, boosting confidence and encouraging spending, which is critical to the retail sector and Canada's overall economic recovery.”

— Retail Council of Canada, press release, January 28, 2009

“[Budget 2009] helps keep skilled workers on the job at a time when home building starts are sagging. I think it's a great opportunity to stimulate the renovation business across Canada.”

— Canadian Home Builders' Association, January 27, 2009

“FCM strongly supports the federal government's commitment to invest significant new dollars in infrastructure projects that will put Canadians to work in 2009 and 2010.”

— Federation of Canadian Municipalities, January 27, 2009

“Our industry is pleased the government recognized that the best and quickest way to get Canadians back to work is through investments in infrastructure. Every billion dollars invested means more than 11,500 jobs.”

— Canadian Construction Association, January 27, 2009

“[We] support the budget initiatives that provide short-term support to Canadians and businesses, facilitate the flow of credit through the capital markets, and lay the foundation for recovery.”

— Investment Industry Association of Canada, January 27, 2009

“The government took critical steps in the budget to stimulate liquidity, provide incentives that will encourage manufacturers to invest in machinery and equipment.”

— Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, January 27, 2009

CANADA'S ECONOMIC ACTION PLAN

“[Budget 2009] provides the necessary support for economic stimulus and job creation.”

— Certified General Accountants Association of Canada, January 27, 2009

“[Budget 2009 is] a clever package and hopefully it will win the support of the House. I am confident this will work.”

— Glen Hodgson, The Conference Board of Canada

“A clear strategy should help to restore consumer and investor confidence over the medium term. We believe it is an important step forward.”

— Canadian Chamber of Commerce

Originally Posted by airbornesapper

Iggy....

"On June 3, 2008, and on March 30, 2009, Michael Ignatieff voted in support of non-binding motions in the House of Commons calling on the government to "allow conscientious objectors...to a war not sanctioned by the United Nations.....[(including Iraq war resisters)]...to...remain in Canada..."]

However on September 29, 2010, when those motions were proposed as a binding private member's bill from Liberal MP Gerard Kennedy, CTV News reported that Ignatieff "walked out during the vote."

The bill then failed to pass this second reading vote by seven votes.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Ignatieff

I wonder how many pairs he wears out playing politics....

http://www.poppyseedsgifts.com/pink%20flip%20flop.jpg

"“A coalition if necessary, but not necessarily a coalition” (iggy 2008)"

http://news.nationalpost.com/2011/03/26/harper-vs-ignatieff-a-tale-of-two-leaders/

Iggy, he's not such a bad lad......depending on the flip....

Originally Posted by Souvy

It's a pity Elizabeth May isn't allowed to take part. She did a grand job as Harper's unofficial fact-checker last time.

Originally Posted by Atlantic Xpat

It seems to me the only people/organisation that has benefited from "Canadas economic action plan' is the company that manufactures the signs that sprouted everywhere like a rash. Often before, way before any activity. Why, the media has missed a trick - forget the $2m artificial lake for the G20, what about the cost of these signs!

Originally Posted by dbd33

Hey, it's not just the frothing loons of the right that can do pictures:

http://www.nowtoronto.com/