Ottawa, ON – Conservative MP Dave Van Kesteren is applauding the next phase of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, saying it will have positive benefits for Ontario families, seniors and job-creating businesses.

“Canada has weathered the global recession in a stronger position than nearly all major economies, with 480,000 new jobs created since July 2009. But the global economy is still fragile, we need to stay focused on the economy,” said MP Van Kesteren. “This isn’t the time for an unnecessary election; we need to stay the course to help create jobs and economic growth.”

The next phase of our Conservative Government’s Plan keeps taxes low to promote jobs and economic growth, while supporting Ontario families and seniors. It includes:

Supporting Job Creation: a new Hiring Credit for Small Business to support local job growth, supporting Ontario’s manufacturing sector by extending tax relief for investments in new equipment and machinery, 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 grants for Ontario families to make their homes more energy efficient; up to $840 in new annual financial support for needy Ontario seniors; a new Family Caregivers Tax Credit, a new Children’s Arts Tax Credit; loan forgiveness to attract doctors and nurses to rural Ontario; a new $3,000 volunteer firefighters’ tax credit; and the waiving of license renewal fees for hunters and firearm owners.

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 Ontario and other provinces through deep transfer cuts to health care and education.

Indeed, under the Conservative Government in 2011-12, Ontario will see record high major federal transfers totaling $17.7 billion – an increase of nearly $7 billion from the former Liberal government. What’s more, Ontario will see growing transfer support for health care ($10.7 billion – a nearly 40% jump from the Liberals) and social services (over $4.5 billion – a 40% jump over the Liberals). 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 continues to ensure Ontario has record support to provide the health care, education and other important services families depend on,” confirmed MP Van Kesteren.