OTTAWA – Leon Benoit, Member of Parliament for Vegreville-Wainwright, rose in the House of Commons yesterday to confirm that the views of Canadians will be considered in Budget 2011. Following is an excerpt from Hansard:
Mr. Leon Benoit (Vegreville—Wainwright, CPC): Mr. Speaker, as we know, the economy is our government's top priority. Canada's continued economic growth demonstrates that we are in fact on the right track. Investing in job creation and keeping taxes low for families and job creators are some of the priorities we are focusing on.
Conservative ministers and members of parliament have been very actively consulting with Canadians right across this country.
Would the President of the Treasury Board please tell us what the results of these consultations are to date?
Hon. Stockwell Day (President of the Treasury Board and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, CPC): Mr. Speaker.... I can tell members that before the economic action plan was launched, we listened carefully to Canadians. We may not have done everything perfectly. We think we got it about right. We are the strongest economy in the G7. Over 400,000 jobs have been created. The average Canadian family pays $3,000 less in tax than before the plan was put in place. We are continuing to listen. The Prime Minister has led and so have MPs and the ministers on round tables. Over 150 of them have taken place. We are listening to Canadians.
Benoit is in the process of summarizing the advice he heard from constituents across Vegreville-Wainwright during the 13 townhalls he held in January. “I will be in touch with the Minister of Finance shortly to ensure that the views of my constituents are included in federal budget discussions,” he explained. “I want to also take the opportunity to extend my thanks to all those who participated in and helped host my townhalls – it was a great week and I enjoyed the opportunity to speak to and hear from so many of you. Your input is helpful and important!”
