Harper defends the federal budget

Prime Minister Stephen Harper made the following remarks today on the necessity to support the Next Phase of Canada's Economic Action Plan:

"Once again, as you know, the leaders of all three Opposition parties have stated their reluctance to support our Budget."

"I am disappointed that they did not take time to read the Budget before rushing to their conclusions."

"Our economy is not a political game. The global recovery is still fragile. Relative to other nations, Canada's economic recovery has been strong, but its continuation is by no means assured."

"Many threats remain. In an interconnected world, difficulties arising from turmoil in the Middle East, the disaster in Japan, European debt, and the ability of struggling trading partners to buy our exports can all put Canadian jobs at risk."

"In this period of global economic uncertainty, our Government is focused - above all else - on completing Canada's economic recovery."

"The Budget that the Minister of Finance tabled yesterday - the Next Phase of Canada's Economic Action Plan - is a low-tax plan of critical importance to jobs, growth and the financial security of hardworking Canadians."

"It is unfortunate for Canadians that the Liberals, NDP, and Bloc Quebecois seem to have a different priority, and that is to force an unnecessary election."

"From coast-to-coast-to-coast Canadians expect all Parliamentarians to be working together to finish the job of securing our economic future."

"Let's be clear about what the Opposition is opposing and what they would toss away. All things - by the way - that they claimed to support: An increase in the income of Canada's most vulnerable senior citizens; the reintroduction of the Home Energy Retrofit program to reduce home heating costs; an innovative transition-to-work program for our Canadian Armed Forces Veterans; extensions to work-sharing and the targeted initiative for older workers; an incentive to retain the volunteer firefighting services that are so critical to rural communities; and powerful encouragement for doctors and nurses to locate in rural areas."

"The Opposition is threatening to vote down significant new supports for families and local communities including: tax relief for family caregivers as well as the elimination of the cap on the medical expense tax credit; the Children's Arts Tax Credit; and enshrining the gas tax fund in legislation for infrastructure in cities and towns."

"They are opposing initiatives to promote jobs, growth and the international success of Canada's forestry, agricultural, mining and aerospace sectors."

"The Opposition would block a break on EI premiums for small businesses that create jobs and they would stop a two-year extension of incentives in manufacturing."

"The Leaders of the Liberal Party, the NDP and the Bloc Quebecois must explain their rejection of these and other initiatives to promote jobs and growth."

"Let me be very clear: this Budget - the Next Phase of Canada's Economic Action Plan - is designed to ensure the continuation of Canada's recovery."

"The Opposition parties have a choice between two priorities: Their ambition for an unnecessary election or our important measures to support Canadians and the economy."

"Notwithstanding their declarations, the Opposition parties still have the opportunity to put Canadians' interests first."

"It is not too late for them to step back, to think about the fragile global recovery, and to listen to the strong support of many organizations and the Canadian public for these measures."

"I encourage them to put the interests of Canadians first and to help us complete Canada's economic recovery."

"To protect hardworking Canadians and their families, the financial sector, their jobs, their communities."

"Thank you."

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