Tuesday May 2, 2006

OTTAWA – Jay Hill, Member of Parliament for Prince George-Peace River, made the following comments today immediately after the 2006 Federal Budget was tabled in the House of Commons:

“Today was one of the most professionally-rewarding days I have experienced as an elected representative, thanks to the release of the new Conservative government’s first federal budget. It is very inspiring, after more than 12 years of fighting for my constituents’ interests in Ottawa, to actually read in one federal document many of the policies and ideas that I have advocated on their behalf for so long.

This Conservative budget is even better than I had expected. It succeeds where the previous Liberal government failed in recognizing that Canadians are being overtaxed and that they deserve real tax relief now. It delivers $20-billion in tax relief over two years – more tax relief than the previous four budgets combined. Yet it also invests in securing our future through funding for child care, healthcare, affordable housing, seniors programs, infrastructure, education and skills training, and security.

I knew that Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Finance Minister Jim Flaherty held an unwavering commitment to fulfill the Conservative government’s Five Priorities, as we outlined during the election campaign and as endorsed by voters. However, their financial management enabled our government to deliver nearly all of our election commitments in our very first budget, while maintaining the fiscal responsibility that is central to Conservative values.

Prince George-Peace River residents, like all Canadians, will benefit from dozens of measures announced in this budget. However, I especially welcome the $400-million over two years to support our Mountain Pine Beetle-ravaged forest industry and the additional $1.5-billion for farm support, $1-billion more in agriculture funding than we had promised during the election campaign.”

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