Tuesday, February 1, 2005

Ottawa – Jay Hill, Official Opposition House Leader and Member of Parliament for Prince George-Peace River, told MPs in the House of Commons today that if the federal Liberals were to follow through on their promises from last June’s election campaign, Prince George would likely secure the funding necessary for the Nechako River Industrial Crossing and an army reserve unit.

Hill made the following statement, during Question Period, to coincide with the pre-budget debate that began this week in preparation for the federal budget, which is expected to be tabled in late February:

“Mr. Speaker, this week as MPs deliberate the upcoming federal budget, I am urging the government, on behalf of the 72,000 citizens of Prince George, BC, to remember some of its election promises.

If the government were to keep its promise for a new, fair infrastructure deal for Canadian municipalities, Prince George could get the funding it requires to construct the new Nechako River industrial crossing.

If the government were to keep its promise to boost the size of Canada’s military reserve forces by 3,000 personnel, Prince George could get a 120-member army reserve unit.

If the federal Liberal government were to keep its promise to consider the needs of western Canada, it would properly address the mountain pine beetle epidemic and the softwood lumber dispute.

This could be the budget that stops blowing tax dollars on the useless gun registry, government advertising and corporate welfare, and instead implements tax relief for low- and middle-income Canadian families that they could actually ‘take to the bank’!”

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For more information, please contact:
Jay Hill, M.P. (613) 947-4524 or (250) 787-119