Dear Seeker,

The Harper Government’s fourth austerity budget continues to move the country in the wrong direction. The stand-pat budget fails to address the needs and concerns of the residents of Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry who are having a hard time making ends meet in these uncertain economic times. Everyday people are concerned about jobs, their stagnant income and rising household costs, growing income inequality, and their healthcare and pensions.

The Harper Government continues to fight the deficit on the backs of everyday Canadians and the public services that we all rely on. Since Finance Minister Flaherty started cutting public services in 2011, the Canadian economy and job market have declined. Today, the number of Canadians out of work is 300,000 higher than in 2006 when the Conservatives came to office and the youth unemployment rate stands at a shameful 14%.

The Harper Government should do more to stimulate the economy, create and protect good jobs, and assist the 1.3 million Canadians who are looking for work. To create jobs, the Federal NDP proposes that corporate tax cuts be tied directly to job creation and that spending on infrastructure be increased this year and next year. The NDP calls for the enhancement of the small business hiring tax credit and the creation of a similar tax credit for companies that hire youth. The NDP wants the re-instatement of the popular EcoEnergy home retrofit program. The NDP is also calling on the Harper Government to honour our veterans and to reverse the recent cuts to Veterans’ Affairs offices.

In addition, the NDP is proposing several measures to make life more affordable for all Canadians. Specifically, the NDP wants a cap on ATM fees, a limit on credit card interest rates, and a crackdown on payday lenders.

The Federal NDP, under Tom Mulcair’s strong, experienced leadership, continues to work to make life better, fairer, and more affordable for all Canadians.

Brian Lynch,

President,

SDSG Federal NDP riding association,

Cornwall, ON.