Press Release/Communiqué

 

Date:                              December 10th, 2001

 

2001 BUDGET – SECURING PROGRESS IN AN UNCERTAIN WORLD

 

OTTAWA - Paul Steckle, M.P., for Huron-Bruce, today applauded the Federal Minister of Finance, the Honourable Paul Martin, for his year 2001 Federal Budget.  This Budget builds upon our long-term plan, but also responds to the immediate security concerns of Canadians.  It does this by providing a timely boost to a weak economy; by working to reinforce our collective sense of economic and personal security and; in maintains our tradition of balancing the books for yet another two years.  Steckle noted that, “…this budget offers the best of both worlds.  The books continue to be balanced while at the same time offering an economic stimulus package and a range of important security enhancements.” 

 

In addition, the budget offers new spending for physical infrastructure; it increases protections for our natural environment; it increases funding for humanitarian aid; invests in educational research and; it institutes a special tax deduction for apprentice vehicle mechanic’s tools.  “I am happy to see that the Minister’s eighth budget follows the fiscally responsible pattern established in the previous seven.  Aside from spending in areas labelled as essential by the Canadian public, the Minister has also taken steps to again make Canadians feel safe in places like airports.  He has also taken calculated steps to assist our economy in recovering from the current slump,” Steckle noted. 

 

Steckle concluded by saying, “I believe that management of our finances during good economic times is about preparing effectively for a rainy day. I also believe that managing the economy during those rainy days is about strong and positive leadership.  I am pleased that Minister Martin’s actions have again confirmed this to be the case.” 

 

 

 

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For technical information media representatives may contact:

Greg McClinchey, Legislative Assistant to Paul Steckle, M.P.

(613) 995-9848 or steckp0@parl.gc.ca