February 02, 2009
Building a Better Future for Alberta With Canada’s Economic Action Plan
When we think about infrastructure, we often envision road diversions and construction signs, giving little thought to the economic benefits.
In this time of global economy uncertainty, the concept of infrastructure spending has been consistently and enthusiastically supported in extensive pre-budget consultations with Albertans and Canadians right across the country. As a result, we've been able to shape a broad consensus with Canadians, business leaders, economic experts, and our provincial and territorial governments on what actions need to be taken to protect our economy.
On January 27, Finance Minister Jim Flaherty unveiled Canada’s Economic Action Plan. The Economic Action Plan outlines ways for government to stimulate our economy in a way that will create jobs, facilitate a skilled work force, secure long-term prosperity, and make a tangible difference in your communities, benefiting you, your neighbours, and your co-workers.
This Plan involves an investment in roads, bridges, buildings, and water and sewer system upgrades all over the province. These projects will create thousands of jobs for Albertans, while providing work for many different sectors of our economy.
Infrastructure spending means much more than simply digging and building; it’s the first link in a long chain of job creation, stimulus, spending, and reinvigorating the economy for communities like Edmonton, Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Parkland County, and Enoch Cree Nation.
The Conservative Government has been laying a solid financial groundwork since first taking office in 2006. We have taken steps such as tax cuts that other countries are replicating only now. We have reduced our national debt by $37 billion. Our strong economic fundamentals enable us to make the necessary investments now without over-burdening Canadians.
Now that Canada’s Economic Action Plan has been delivered, Canadians can see the full scale of the intended infrastructure spending. We know that getting shovels in the ground today will create jobs for Albertans and provide the framework for our province and country to grow in the years to come.
With Canada’s Economic Action Plan, Canada and Alberta will emerge from this global recession with better infrastructure, a more skilled labour force, lower taxes, and a more competitive economy. This is the plan Canadians wanted. By working together, we will continue to build for a better tomorrow.
Yours truly,
Hon. Rona Ambrose, P.C., M.P.
Edmonton-Spruce Grove
