Budget 2010 is the product of a federal government that is prepared to move cautiously and carefully toward prosperity.

And move forward we will. In this, the second year of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the budget has been crafted to create and protect jobs, feed growth, and get back on track for future balanced budgets. There has been virtually no negative economic fallout from Budget 2010. The stock markets have stayed on an even keel and the engines of commerce are running smoothly, so it appears that most economists agree with the plans we have put in place.

More than 135,000 jobs have been created in Canada since last July and about 225,000 jobs were saved by our expanded Work-Sharing program. Small wonder we are the envy of most industrialized countries around the world. Employment has also benefitted from the 16,000 infrastructure projects that have already been started or completed.

At the same time, the government has delivered $3 billion in general personal income tax relief. The First-Time Homebuyer’s Tax Credit and the temporary Home Renovation Tax Credit have saved Canadians a further $3 billion in taxes. Put simply, we continue to believe that you should be allowed to spend more of your own money.

Budget 2010 continues to create and protect jobs and enhance our country’s economic recovery. We are investing to extend the minimum length of work-sharing agreements. And, we’re providing support to young workers through internships and skills development to encourage meaningful employment.

Modern-day governments the world over are walking an economic tight rope. We need to control taxation while we spend on goods and services for the general good. We are on target to cut the deficit in half in two years and cut it by two-thirds in three years. During that time, we will not raise taxes and we will not cut spending on health care, education, or support for seniors. Unlike the previous federal government, we refuse to gouge tax dollars. Instead, we plan to preserve the quality of life for all Canadians.

And, this government will control spending in its own backyard. We have frozen the salaries of the prime minister, his ministers, all members of Parliament and Senators from 2011 to 2013. Budget 2010 is good medicine for Canada as we return to better economic health.

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