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Chapter 3:
Building a Better Canada
Introduction
Canadians have chosen change, and Budget 2006 reflects that direction.
Canadians deserve a government that treats their tax dollars with respect.
A government that puts people first. A government that is
accountable for its actions, is fiscally responsible and keeps its
word. It is time to turn a new leaf.
Canada’s new government has a focused, responsible agenda to build a
better Canada. It will clean up government, provide real support to
hard-working Canadians and their families, restore fiscal balance within
the Canadian federation and strengthen Canada’s role in the world.
Budget 2006 proposes the necessary measures to implement the Government’s
commitment to its five key priorities and associated platform commitments
for Canadians. It contains proposals that would:
- Fund measures set out in the Federal Accountability Action Plan
to strengthen the accountability, oversight and transparency of
government operations.
- Ensure that all Canadians receive tax relief, starting with reducing
the goods and services tax by 1 percentage point on July 1, 2006.
It proposes further general tax relief by introducing the new Canada
Employment Credit, reducing the lowest tax rate and increasing the
basic personal amount.
- Support the child care choices of families through the new Universal
Child Care Benefit and the creation of new child care spaces.
- Protect Canadian families by tackling crime, strengthening the
justice system and increasing Canada’s capacity to defend its
national security and sovereignty.
- Work with provinces and territories to establish a Patient Wait
Times Guarantee, and lay out a principled framework to restore fiscal
balance in Canada.
This chapter outlines initiatives to implement these key commitments
and other related measures. By focusing on priorities, this budget will
help create opportunities for all Canadians.
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