|
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."
-30-
For information:
André Lamarre
Special Assistant
Phone: (613) 943-1838
Fax: (613) 943-5553
|
