13 June 2011 – Conservative MP Randy Kamp is applauding the next phase of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, saying it will have positive benefits for BC families, seniors and job creating businesses.

“Canada is weathering the global recession in a stronger position than nearly all major economies, with over 560,000 new jobs created since July 2009. But the global economy is still fragile, we need to stay focused on the economy,” said MP Kamp.

The next phase of the Government’s plan keeps taxes low to promote jobs and economic growth, while supporting BC families and seniors. It includes:

•    Supporting Job Creation: a new Hiring Credit for Small Business to support local job growth, an expanded work sharing program, and major new investments to help the agriculture, forestry and mining sectors grow.

•    Strengthening our Families and Communities: up to $5,000 in grants for BC families to make their homes more energy efficient; up to $840 in new annual financial support for needy BC seniors; a new Family Caregivers Tax Credit, a new Children’s Arts Tax Credit; loan forgiveness to attract doctors and nurses to rural BC; and a new $3,000 volunteer firefighters’ tax credit.

•    Investing in the economy of tomorrow: help for BC farmers with a new $50 million Agricultural Innovation Initiative; increased support for research and technology; improved federal student loans program for BC students; and more.

•    Preserving Canada’s Fiscal Advantage: keeping Canada on track for balanced budgets by eliminating ineffective spending; limiting spending growth; and closing unfair tax loopholes.

The next phase of the Plan also reinforces the Conservative Government’s longstanding rejection of the former Liberal government’s legacy of balancing the federal budget on the backs of the provinces by cutting transfers for health care and education and social services.  Under the Conservative Government in 2011-12, BC will see record high federal transfers totaling nearly $5.4 billion – an increase of $763 million from the former Liberal government. The increased support will help hospitals, schools, and other critical services in the province.

“While the former Liberal government radically and recklessly slashed transfers to our home province, our Conservative Government will continue to ensure BC has record support to provide the health care, education and other important services families depend on,” confirmed Kamp.