For Immediate Release June 3, 2008
Komarnicki Speaks at Third Reading of Bill C-50,
the Budget 2008 Implementation Act
Ottawa (June 3, 2008)-- Ed Komarnicki, M.P., Souris- Moose Mountain and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration
“Today, I was pleased to stand up in the House of Commons to speak on behalf of the Government of Canada on the Budget Implementation Bill, C-50,” said Komarnicki. “I took the opportunity to highlight key provisions of Budget 2008, including important immigration reforms and the $240 million pledged to the carbon capture and storage project at Boundary Dam near Estevan.”
“It is important that C-50 passes as it allocates $240 million for a clean coal, carbon capture and storage demonstration project at Estevan’s Boundary Dam. The NDP and Bloc are opposing this Bill and are encouraging the Liberals to do the same. In order to preserve their existence and for their own self interest, I expect many Liberals to abstain from voting or to be absent from the House. Although this is not a sure thing, I think their self preservation will allow us to get the Bill passed. I will be relieved when it passes as it holds $240 million in it for Estevan and area.”
Budget 2008 illustrates the responsible leadership of this government. It is balanced, focused and prudent in order to ensure that Canada remains strong and secure amidst global economic uncertainty.
Despite the uncertainty and economic hardship currently affecting a few targeted sectors of the economy across the country, overall, the prospects of Canada’s economy remain strong. The unemployment rate is at a 33 year low and employment is on the rise in every region of the country. Interest rates are low and inflation is within an acceptable range. The tax burden on Canadians is at the lowest level it has been in nearly 50 years allowing Canadians to keep more of their hard earned money in their pockets.
“If professor Dion had his way, he would propose a carbon tax to raise billions of dollars to fund more Liberal programs,” said Komarnicki. “This could only mean lost jobs, higher gasoline, diesel and energy costs and have a chilling effect on Saskatchewan’s growing economy.”
Budget 2008 also allocates $105 million over
five years to help reduce Canada’s immigration backlog
and improve the immigration system to ensure that Canada has
the skilled workers and trades people that are necessary to
meet the country’s labour needs. Across the country we
are experiencing a shortage of workers to fill critical positions
that are essential to the sustained growth of our economy. Bill
C-50 addresses these realities. Amendments to the Immigration
and Refugee Protection Act are long overdue.
