Ottawa - Commenting on Budget 2011, Bev Shipley, M.P, Lambton-Kent-Middlesex says, “it is the right budget, in that it is a financial plan for all Canadians and at just the right time in Canadian history.” Shipley noted the only real difference between this budget and the one presented on March 22nd is that, “this one will pass.  Now it is time to get on with the people’s business in a way that reflects their priorities.”

Sound financial management by our Conservative Government has resulted in seven straight quarters of economic growth since July of 2009 and the creation of more than 540,000 new jobs, of which 80 percent are full time jobs.  Shipley says Canada’s economic recovery remains fragile and that is why the government will continue to focus on growing the economy, job creation, balancing the budget and keeping taxes low.  “Virtually every aspect of Canadian life is tied to strong and vibrant economy,” said Shipley,” adding that is why the Government acted decisively and swiftly beginning in 2007 when the Government began to see the first signs of the global economic recession.  “Budget 2011 builds on the plan which has allowed Canada to emerge from the recession stronger than most other countries in the industrialized world.”

However, Shipley remains concerned that many are still without jobs and points to economic storm clouds south of the border which will require the government to remain vigilant and prudent.  “We will reduce the size of government and lower the deficit. We are on track to balance the budget by 2015 and once we have completed our Strategic and Operating Review, we anticipate balancing the budget one year ahead of schedule.  Most importantly, we will be able achieve these savings without reducing transfers to provinces, healthcare and social programs.”  In fact Shipley says Budget 2011 will provide additional targeted support for families, seniors, students, agriculture, small business and the environment.

Among those initiatives, a number of specific measures will benefit residents of Lambton-Kent-Middlesex in particular.  They include:


·         Extending the $5000 ecoEnergy Home Retrofit Grant

·         Enhancing and extending Work Sharing Program

·         A $1000 hiring credit for small business

·         Enhancing the Guaranteed Income Supplement

·         Children’s Art Tax Credit

·         Family Caregiver Tax Credit

·         Volunteer Firefighter tax credit

·         Student Loan forgiveness for doctors and nurses who practice in rural communities

“Clearly we are building on those things which have helped us to be the envy of the world and we are moving forward in a direction which will allow us to stay that way.”