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Archives - Press Room

MINISTER DION STATES THAT THE TURNAROUND IN PUBLIC FINANCES IS AN ARGUMENT IN FAVOUR OF CANADIAN UNITY

 

SAINT-LAURENT, QUEBEC, April 13, 2000 – Speaking to the Saint-Laurent Chamber of Commerce, the Honourable Stéphane Dion, President of the Privy Council and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, said today that "the winning conditions for our economy and our quality of life lie in Canadian unity."

The Minister highlighted the long path that has led Canada toward an era of budget surpluses and economic growth, and the role that Jean Chrétien's government has played by emphasizing discipline and realism.

Mr Dion then outlined the foundations of the Government of Canada's balanced budgetary approach. He first noted the tax relief efforts undertaken in the 2000 federal budget: "This tax relief is designed, among other things, to encourage the investment and innovation that we will need to make our economy more competitive and to take on the challenges of the 21st century. But in addition, to help Canada become more innovative, the 2000 budget includes $4.1 billion in new targeted investments," the Minister specified.

Pointing out that "social programs do not represent only a cost: they contribute to justice and social peace that help economic stability," Mr Dion noted that the Government of Canada has also put $2.5 billion into the Canada Social Transfer, on top of the $11.5 billion over five years announced last year. The Government will also strengthen social programs, for example by providing $2.8 billion by 2004 to improve the child tax benefit and $1.5 billion by 2004 for parental leave.

As another component of its balanced approach, Canada intends to continue to allocate $3 billion a year to pay down the debt. In this regard, the Minister noted: "The federal debt burden is still more than double that of the provinces. The Government of Canada has to devote 25.2% of its revenues to debt servicing. For the provinces, that figure is 13.2% on average, and 16.7% in Quebec."

The Minister stressed that the many economic and social challenges the country must face from a budgetary and economic standpoint require us to continue to act with prudence and realism. These challenges also necessitate closer cooperation between the provinces and the Government of Canada. "It is a good thing that our governments can try out different solutions. As a result, through healthy emulation, we can see what works best. But it is equally important that above and beyond this natural competition, the governments of our federation strengthen their cooperation where it is necessary, in light of the common challenges they face."

Mr Dion rejected the arguments by those who claim that putting public finances in order constitutes a winning condition for separation. "Why can't they see that it's not because of a lack of self-confidence that so many Quebecers support Canada, but on the contrary, because of pride?"

"The financial turnaround has been achieved within Canada, and it is in our interest to continue to move ahead within Canada," the Minister added, before concluding: "That's why more and more of us Quebecers are putting their faith in Canadian unity, in the solidarity that unites us with our fellow Canadians, in our pride as Quebecers and Canadians. The real winning condition, for everyone, is Canada."

 

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For information:

André Lamarre
Special Assistant
Phone:  (613) 943-1838
Fax:  (613) 943-5553

 

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Last Modified: 2000-04-13  Important Notices