OTTAWA – Conservative Member of Parliament Garry Breitkreuz welcomes the new federal budget - Economic Action Plan 2013 – and its continued focus on job creation, economic growth, and long-term prosperity as good news for Yorkton-Melville. The Plan, which will see Canada return to balanced budgets in 2015, keeps federal taxes at their lowest level in 50 years.

“While Canada has the best job creation record among all G-7 countries since the worst of the global recession with over 950,000 net new jobs, we recognize that the global economy remains very challenging,” said Breitkreuz. “In Economic Action Plan 2013, our Conservative government remains squarely focused on the number one priority of Canadians, with a forward-looking plan to help create jobs and grow the economy in Saskatchewan and across Canada.”

Breitkreuz notes that Economic Action Plan 2013 includes key measures to strengthen Canada’s economy, including: 

• Increased skills and training support, including the new $15,000 Canada Job Grant, to help more Canadians find high-quality, well-paying jobs; 
• Tax breaks for manufacturers who buy new machinery and equipment to stay competitive, and an extended ‘hiring credit’ for small businesses who create jobs;
• A record $70 billion federal investment in infrastructure across Canada, including roads, bridges, subways, rail lines, and ports;
• Major investments in research and technology;
• New tax relief for Canadians who give to charity, adopt a child, or rely on homecare services;
• Elimination of ‘import tax’ tariffs on everyday items Canadian families buy, like baby clothing, sports gear, and exercise equipment;
• Support for farmers by increasing and indexing the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption to $800,000 from $750,000; and doubling the current deduction limit under restricted farm loss income tax rules from $8,750 to $17,500.
• New measures to improve the quality of life for Canadian seniors;
• And much more.

Economic Action Plan 2013 also confirmed the Conservative government’s continued all-time record support for hospitals, schools, and other important health and social services in Saskatchewan. In fact, in 2013-14, federal transfer support to Saskatchewan will be $273 million higher than under the former federal Liberal government.

“We all remember the former Liberal government slashed transfers for health care and education. Our Conservative government rejects that shameful practice, and is protecting and growing transfers to help support the services that Saskatchewan families depend on,” concluded Breitkreuz.

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