Ottawa – Cathy McLeod, Member of Parliament for Kamloops – Thompson – Cariboo says the next phase of Canada’s Economic Action Plan will have positive benefits for BC families, seniors and job-creating businesses.

“Canada is weathering the global recession in a stronger position than nearly all major economies, with nearly 540,000 new jobs created since July 2009. But the global economy is still fragile, we need to stay focused on the economy,” stated McLeod.

The next phase of the Action Plan includes:

Supporting Job Creation through a new Hiring Credit for Small Business to support local job growth; an expanded work sharing program; and major new investments to help the forestry and mining sectors grow.

Strengthening our Families and Communities. with grants of up to $5,000 families to make their homes more energy efficient; up to $840 in new annual financial support for needy seniors; a new Family Caregivers Tax Credit; a new Children’s Arts Tax Credit; loan forgiveness to attract doctors and nurses to rural BC; and a new $3,000 volunteer firefighters’ tax credit.

Investing in the economy of tomorrow: by helping BC farmers with a new $50 million Agricultural Innovation Initiative; increasing support for research and technology;  and improving federal student loans program for students.

Keeping Canada on track for balanced budgets by eliminating ineffective spending, limiting spending growth and closing unfair tax loopholes.

“Under this government in the next fiscal year, BC will see record-high major federal transfers totaling nearly $5.4 billion. It will also increase transfer support for health care nearly $3.8 billion, and social services over $1.5 billion. This increased support will help hospitals, schools and other critical services in the province,” said McLeod.

“I encourage everyone to take a look at these extensive tax relief measures.  They will provide taxpayers in British Columbia with approximately $270 million in tax relief over next year and the following five fiscal years,” concluded McLeod.