2007 Budget Special
2007 BUDGET SPECIAL
National Post
BUDGET 2007: TAX CUTS, SPENDING INCREASES
Jim Flaherty announces budget with eye on possible election
Finance Minister Jim Flaherty delivers the Budget to the House of Commons
Ottawa – Finance Minister Jim Flaherty announced the Conservative’s second budget. The budget contains billions in tax cuts and new spending initiatives aim at being a potential platform for an election should the opposition parties, who hold a majority in the House of Commons choose not to support the measures.
The budget has over 5 billion dollars in tax cuts with the Finance Minister telling the house, “Canadians pay too much in taxes”.
In addition to these tax cuts, the budget has billions in new spending aimed at families, businesses, and the military.
The Telegram
“FEDERAL GOVERNMENT DOESN’T CARE FOR NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR” – PREMIER
Danny Williams says Conservatives have betrayed Newfoundland and Labrador
Premier Danny Williams speaks to the Press after watching the Budget Speech
St John’s – According the Premier Danny Williams, the Federal Government has forgotten has betrayed every citizen of Newfoundland and Labrador.
“We have finally come into our own as a province with the Atlantic Accord, and now Stephen Harper and Jim Flaherty have gone back on that accord and left us high and dry.” Said the angry Williams.
“People here won’t stand for that, we believe that trust is earned, not given, and the Federal Government has not earned any bit of trust at all”.
The Atlantic Accord was signed by the previous Liberal government and was aimed at ensuring that Atlantic provinces were able to keep equalization payments while keeping resource revenues.
Globe and Mail
“BUDGET LACKS VISION” – IGNATIEFF
Won’t commit to Liberals supporting the budget
Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff speaks to the press outside of the House of Commons following the budget speech.
Ottawa – Michael Ignatieff has slammed the recently released budget for lacking a vision for the country, but has refused to state so far whether or not the Liberals will support the budget or not.
“With a budget surplus, the government is in the enviable position of making investments that will ensure future progress and economic success for all parts of the country” said the Leader of the Opposition.
He continued, “Where is the meaningful investment in high speed rail in Central Canada? Where is the investment in ensuring that the West can sell their Oil to the rest of the country without going through America first?”
However when pressed by the media, Ignatieff refused to commit to supporting or voting against the budget saying, “the Liberal Caucus has to examine this document and see where we can possibly work with the government; or else we’ll have to consider other options”.
Toronto Star
“NO SUPPORT FOR WORKING CANADIAN’S” – LAYTON
Layton says NDP won’t support Budget; Slams Liberals for not opposing it.
NDP Leader Jack Layton speaks to the national media following the Budget Speech.
Ottawa – The NDP will not be supporting the 2007 Budget according to NDP Leader Jack Layton.
“This budget doesn’t support Working Canadian’s, it’s about unneeded tax cuts for businesses and wealthy Canadians” said NDP Leader Jack Layton.
The NDP had called for sizable investments in social programs, paid for by keeping tax rates at current levels, and by taxing heavy polluters.
“We’re spending money on the War in Afghanistan, when we should be investing in ensuring at the Canadian Forces are used for peacekeeping duties only, this is Canada’s legacy to the world”, said the NDP Leader.
Many pundits did not expect the NDP to support this budget.