Prudent Conservative budget has some surprises

While the budget offers no new taxes and no major tax cuts, it introduces a brand new tax-free savings account, breaks for seniors, $400 million to hire 2,500 new police officers and $500 million for public transit infrastructure.

But perhaps more important than what is included in the budget is what's missing. There appears to be no 'poison pill' item that the Liberals will reject, and Stephane Dion suggested that his party would not vote against the document when it comes before the House of Commons for a vote on March 5.

MPs will debate the budget in the coming days with the opposition parties getting their chance to propose amendments before the final vote on Tuesday.

Budget bills are considered matters of confidence, meaning the government would fall and an election would be triggered if it failed to pass.

After the release of the budget, the New Democratic Party and Bloc Quebecois both said they would reject the plan. But without the Liberals voting against it, the budget is expected to pass.

The centrepiece of the document, and one of its few surprises, is a new tax-free savings account that will allow Canadians to invest $5,000 per year, with the freedom to make withdrawals at any time, for any purpose. The income earned in the account is tax free, including capital gains.

Tories introduce Tax-Free Savings Account

The fund is the first of its kind and appears aimed at winning votes among middle-class Canadians who have the ability to put money away.

"Some say we should not have provided tax relief for individuals, families, workers and seniors,'' Flaherty told the Commons in his budget speech.

"They call it 'blowing the surplus.' Well, Mr. Speaker, it takes a certain kind of Ottawa politician to view giving people their hard-earned money back as 'blowing the surplus.'''

The fiscal plan also:

Provides $300 million to help Atomic Energy of Canada to develop Candu nuclear technology and support safe operations at the Chalk River plant;
Provides $440 million for Research and Development;
Allows pensioners to income-split for the first time;
Provides $400 million for 2,500 new front-line police officers.

Far and away, the biggest spending commitment in the budget is the $10.2 billion that will go towards knocking the debt down to $457 billion.

The 400-plus page document is laced with references to what the federal government did in the last budget and the fall fiscal update -- when they spent $60 billion on tax relief -- and ways those promises and pledges will carry through the 2008-09 period.

Flaherty said the lack of big spending in this budget reflects the current economic climate.

He said the government is running surpluses and paying down debt and reducing taxes, and inflation and interest rates are low. But he added that "Canada is not an island" and factors such as the slowing U.S. economy mean prudence is necessary.

"Meeting these challenges is critical. Not just for our country, but for our families," Flaherty said.

Transit

The feds will also spend $500 million on public transit infrastructure, most of which will be spent in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver -- cities where no Conservative MPs were elected and where the Tories are desperate to gain ground.

The projects which will receive the lion's share of the funding are the Evergreen Light Rapid Transit System in Vancouver, the re-establishment of a rail link between Peterborough, Ont. and Toronto's Union Station, and new equipment and upgrades to the Aeroports de Montreal.

Green initiatives

The budget also sinks $250 million over five years into "developing innovative, greener, more fuel-efficient vehicles."

On reducing greenhouse gases, the fiscal plan sets out $250 million for a carbon capture and storage demonstration project, and research on the potential for carbon storage in Nova Scotia.

But it puts an end to the rebate program for fuel-efficient vehicles that attracted so much attention in the 2007 budget.

The two-year program will not be extended beyond 2008.

Aaron Freeman, policy director for Environmental Defence, told CTV.ca the Conservatives seem to have no clear direction on the environment.

"Even their shiny bauble from last year is not going to be continued," he said, referring to the rebates.

"It's hard to know where this government is going on the environment. You had water and Great Lakes protection in the Throne Speech and yet there's nothing in this budget to back it up."

There is some positive news for the environment, however. Freeman said the announcement of $500 million in transit spending is a good thing, as is $113 million that will go towards protecting consumers from toxins in products.

Overall though, he said the Conservatives don't seem to be making the environment a priority.

Students

The budget also has a number of tidbits designed to develop the "best-educated, most-skilled and most flexible workforce in the world," according to the document.

Students will benefit from the following measures under the budget:

A $350 million grant program in 2009-10, rising to $430 million by 2012-13, that will reach 245,000 college and undergrad students;
$123 million over four years starting in 2009-10 to update the Canada Student Loans Program;
Increases to the length of time Registered Education Savings Plans can remain open, from 25 to 35 years;
The creation of a new $25 million Canada Graduate Scholarship award for top doctoral students.

Seniors

Seniors, especially those on fixed or low incomes, are expected to receive half of the benefits from the new tax-free savings account. They will be able to split their incomes for tax purposes for the first time.

"But we can do more to support our seniors. Today, we are increasing the Guaranteed Income Supplement exemption to $3,500, from the current maximum of $500. This will benefit low and modest-income seniors who choose to continue working," the budget states.

Comments are now closed for this story

John Moore
said

This is a horrible budget from a do nothing government. When will people wake up and see that the conseravites stand for one group of people, the rich! Liberals also stand for one group of people, Liberals, and they are proving that again by supporting a budget that does little or nothing for the average Canadian family and alot for the corperate crooks that financially support the conservatives and liberals.

Dave in Surrey
said

Folks... The Savings Account is NON DEDUCTIBLE... You PAY TAXES on what you put into it, just not what you take out of it... You pay taxes on the 5 Large you put in, just not on the capital gains from it...

How many of you folks have put in for Capital Gains on your income tax before??? Right, no one from the lower to middle class... Get the point???

I have a sweet bridge for sale, you suckers want in on it?

Munro
said

I have a saving account at PCfinancial, if they have a tax free one in 2009 that would be great ! Savings accounts have always been taxed when you get more then about $50 interest. I welcome this; usually the government takes every penny. This is something good for singles and families.

living in saskatchewan
said

I agree and disagree with the statement, this will help upper middle class and the upper class as they can afford the investments that will give larger returns. If you look at a 3 - 4 % savings, that's 200/year or 16.67/month for the lower income earner. If you look at stocks take 100 shares at $40/share and then that investor sells it if it ever became $60.00/share so they gain 2000.00 tax free in a month that is 166.67 per month. Tell me who does that benefit? 16.67/mo is not going to help in bills, higher gas prices. But 166.67 a month surely does for the 4 wks of gas at $50/tank.

Kevin G.
said

Impressive budget overall. Our Government clearly has many serious issues to deal with. In a time where the environment and the economy are at question, the budget reflects a government concerned about Canada as a whole.

Kim
said

This is not much of a budget....nice to see that the incentives are on retirement and savings accounts...the problem with this is that most of the middle class and in particular, single parent homes struggle to pay the basics....havings $5000 a year to put away into a savings account along with some amount of RRSP contribution is a pipe dream. This incentive supports those that have...I can only hope that someday I may see a pay increase that is greater than the inflation rate. Mr. Harper has forgotten just who the middle class is....and as such, you have lost my vote.

Ed
said

Tax free savings is the most innovative and concrete legislative item for the average person - anyone can now save money in the plan knowning that they will not have to pay tax on the growth.This is great for lower income earners who are unable to use RRSP's. I plan to save for our next auto in the plan and not have to pay the bank.

Max
said

Proof positive that minority administrations offer the best and most active form of government. Canadians should continue to vote for minority governments providing balanced approaches to running this country.

neilpk
said

Wow, the Tories are going to save me tax on $250 of income per year, if I find a savings account that pays 5% interest! I think I'll go dance in the street over this $50/year saving. These guys remind me of Mr. Burns; "work hard Zutroy, and I'll reward you with this shiny new penny"!

G Lancaster
said

Good Budget. We got all the tax breaks in Oct now we can get on with the economic situation. As a senior I know I save nearly $500 per year with the GST cut and another 400 plus on my 2007 income tax. If I had any extra cash it would go into the savings acct. Forget your RRSP kids. If you have any kind of a pension you will be paying more tax on the money when you take it out than you saved when you put it in. Calculate it carefully before falling into that trap.
An Old Lady

JD
said

I really do like this budget. I wasn't really a tory to begin with, but Harper is begining to grow on me.

The only objection I would have would be the idea of giving 500 million to the transit system. I mean ya, it is a great idea to finally invest in it, however, if the money is going to only go to the projects they mentioned, then I disagree with them. It should go to the everyday transit systems, like busses. Montreal, I know, needs new busses big time.

All aside, I really hope this budget gets passed, and that Prime Minister Harper gets a majority.

rb
said

The 5000.00 savings account works for me and I,m a middle class wage earner.

Dave B
said

I'm surprised any Conservative would support such a budget. It's a typical Liberal budget in everything but name.

Continued government increases in spending like this have put the Harper government higher in government spending than a litany of preceding Liberal governments.

At least two more brand new crown corporations? How does big government like that play into Conservative philosophy?

It's obvious Harper is sucking deep, going after votes in the large urban eastern municipalities where he came up short the last election.

Will he succeed in buying more support with our tax dollars? I think not. Progressive voters have a continuing underlying unease about how the leopard might change his spots with a majority while hard core Conservatives should be rightly ticked at the reckless increase in big government spending under Harper.

Jeri
said

Awesome budget especially the Tax-Free Savings Account! I think I will vote Conservatives next election =)

Ki-Som
said

The only reason why this budget is going to pass is because the Liberals do not want to force an election. They know that they will lose. Dion is a weak leader and cannot convince the rest of Canada that he can lead this nation. Time for the Liberals to find a new leader, one who has a back bone. A leader who can stand up to Harper and make him realize that this country doesn't need a bully for a Prime Minister.

Mark in Calgary
said

The new budget is sensible and accomplishs a number of things. Most important is paying down the debt. Many Liberals and socialists have no idea what this means. This is why the gloomy and fear mongering blather is flowing. Enough of the "you are warned" comments. They're just goofy.

kate
said

"NO savings for the hardworking middle class..."

Let's see this is same middle class that want to own half million dollar homes, drive 2 SUV's, want free day care, spend more on luxury items than any other generation prior, spend a week or two in Mexico every year? If you chose to live the high life without saving for the future - your problem not mine.
Ask some poor sod working at Wal Mart what it's like to live on their pay cheque and try to support a family. Better yet, trying being an aboriginal person and living on a reserve without even the basic fundamentals of life like clean water that you and I take for granted.

Excellent budget, prudent and help for seniors as well - about time we help those who have made our high standard of life possible.

We need to give this government a majority.

Kashif Ahmed
said

The tax-savings account will only benefit the upper middle class and higher earners who have the %5,000 to put away. What a joke to make inroads into urban Canada. Wake up Canadians! The GST has been reduced, but that only puts very little into your pockets. What about the income tax cuts that the Liberals put in that were reversed by Flaherty and Harper? Smoke and mirrors ...

IT Manager in Calgary
said

It doesn't surprise me at all that the working poor have once again been summarily dismissed by Harper and his right wing cronies. This is proof that Conservatives are only interested in helping people with money, and buying votes. Even though I am directly benefiting from this budget, I give it a thumbs down. See, unlike Conservative supporters, I don't garner my happiness with how this country is managing its finances by how it benefits ME directly.

Dan
said

The tax free savings plan will only help wealthy Canadians. Most of us don't have much left after paying the bills, mortgage and so on.

It also slows down spending and thus the economy.

RJC
said

The big banks must be just licking their lips today. Big bucks for them if these accounts are done through them.

A. Farmer
said

From what I've seen and read, all in all not a bad plan. Stay the course, give us clear, concise policies and get the heck out of our way. Will wait to see how financial institutions implement the TFSA and how many fees they attach.

RRR Lethbridge
said

Imre Atilla Janos Torma

You are wrong about Seniors having to work. My husband and I are seniors and we live a very good life on the OAS, Canada Pension and GIS. We pay rent and live very comfortably and still donate hundreds to charity. It is a matter of management. This is a good budget and I love this Conservative Government

Harvey
said

I consider myself lower-middle class, and typical of many canadians living paycheck to paycheck.

The TFSA will do nothing for me. Even if I could put the maximum 5000$ away, the tax savings are only about 80$ per year.

Then, if I decide to withdraw my money at any time, it looks like I'm expected to recontribute it later?

Why not just invest the 5000$ in a GIC in an RRSP.

This seems like smoke and mirrors. The middle class really don't benefit, the lower class cannot benefit, and only those with an extra 5k will maximize their benefit. I don't see how this is 'huge' people.. enlighten me please.

Mack
said

Good to see them paying down the deficit. When the money was borrowed in USA dollars the Canadian dollar was low. Therefore paying it down now with the Canadian dollar being higher We are saving money. In real dollars.

David fm NS
said

Overall crime is down, however violent crime is on the rise. That's why this government introduced the Fighting Violent Crime bill which was passed unanimously in the House of Commons. I am very impressed with the Harper government so far.

joe c.
said

I can't take these 'good budget' comments seriously. If these are conservative voters, shouldn't they be concerned with such a 'liberal' budget.

And do the middle and lower classes have any money to save? Most are in perpetual debt. Any 'savings' go to bills and rent. Rent is 50% of income for most poor and middle class. Why not put 400$ million in affordable housing instead of beefing up the police force? isn't crime down?

Being tough on crime could be better affected by investing in social services, training programs, increased recreation, and education/public health programs for lower and middle clases.

No tax breaks, but a 12 billion + surplus. That sounds fiscally responsible to me. A true conservative would recognize the irony in this budget. I don't see how Harper is going to be able to distinguish himself from the liberals in the next election.. (maybe that's the strategy for Harper to hold onto seats)

Both parties might as well merge already - less than 25% of canadians are conservative voters anyway

freedom lover
said

The government has a surplus because of resource royalties, not from taxes.

The profit from exploitation of national natural resource wealth should be distributed to every citizen of Canada, not just to special-interest Canadians.

superman
said

Good budget. One that the Liberals will find hard to defeat or run an election against.
Mr. Harper continues to impress. He has converted me, as long as he is Prime Minister I will vote for his party.

ILTIS
said

I have been following Canadian politics a very long time and this has got to be the worst government Canada has ever had.Thank god they are in a minority position and can be held in check.
2500 cops and all this spending on the military...it's starting to feel like an eastern bloc country around here.
By the way! Like every Neo-Con government fm the past the tab for all this will eventually come.

David H
said

Mr. Dion: The Mouse that Snored.
For better or worse, welcome to a majority government Mr.Harper and Co. - pretty much anytime you like -
To Mike I: give him a shake please.

DON HAMMER
said

What do most people conisder being "wealthy" is? I really don't believe that you need to be "wealthy" to put away $5000/year.

I hate to say it but it is not the job of the Government to bail out low income earners with tax dollars. We already live in a welfare country which helps out the poor in many ways. How much more are tax payers expected to give up to non-tax payers?

If Canadians are not going to take care of their own family members with low incomes then why should they expect everyone else too?

Poverty will always be with us no matter how much money we throw at it.

Angus
said

I really don't get Liberals. Many have posted that the PC's stole this budget from the Liberals (which isn't true. Than with the same breath, other Liberals are complaining about it...well which is it, a crappy budget or stolen from the Liberals. I guess you just can't please a Liberal.

Steve
said

1. Why do people keep referring to "neo-conservative policies", "right-wing government" and "White House approval"? The Conservative government in Canada is nothing like the Republicans in the U.S.

2. Why do people begrudge the conservatives enacting policies that will help them get re-elected? If they're governing well, why wouldn't we want to re-elect them?

3. Why is it that, after two + years, we're still hearing the "hidden agenda" bogeyman from people? Aren't Liberals capable of hidden agendas, too?

Michael
said

This budget is excellent. It combines prudence, attention to necessities, help for people who need it most and a boost to the average Canadian's morale. Governments cannot fix people's lives but this budget tries to do as much as reasonably possible in a thoughtful way. Well done!

Herb
said

Only a party hack could think this is a good budget. Judging by the responses here, I guess this is where Conservatives like to hang.

Evan
said

Never thought I'd say this. But this is a good budget. As a starving graduate student in engineering, all that concerns me is, will I see any of these benefits? Time will tell. But it looks like the Conservatives are on the right track.

B.
said

Balance: Minority or majority, they'll keep it balanced, with just a nod to the right. Libs always did the same but veered a little too far and forgot that the good of the party did not equal the good of the country. Mr. Dion, this is how you make priorities: It ain't easy, but people respect it.

Peggy
said

More affordable housing is still needed. Our population is not only growing but is growing poorer.

Don J
said

It's funny. I've spent most of the day talking to different people in different places what they think of this budget, and EVERYONE has said the Tories stole from the Liberal ideas, AGAIN, and STILL didn't give a great budget, they just didn't give a bad one. Not ONE person thinks Harper is the hero the first few posts on this board say, and not ONE thinks any idea has been the Tories, or that they have ANYONE running circles around anyone.

Elwyn Peters
said

Pretty good budget. I like the Canada student loans program updates. The tax-free saving sounds interesting too! Cool budget. If an election is called, the conservatives deserve a majority. I don't want GST going back up.

Dave in Surrey
said

Disappointment,

the new crime bill is about to pass putting more people in jail for longer periods, yet not one single penny to build and maintain the prision system...

Who in Canada has an additional $5,000 to put into a savings account, the average 'middle class' Canadian is not even remotely close to filling their RRSP's and now instead of saving for retirement they will put it into a savings account, using the capital gains yearly which is tax free... This is suppose to help?

500 Million for infrasture, that won't even pave the roads every MP lives on...

My neck hurts from shaking my head...

Muskoka Helena
said

Don't say I didn't warn you Canada...don't get fooled again! Buying the Ontario voter, scare tactics for seniors, NO savings for the hardworking middle class...typical Harris/Harper regime budget. You've been warned Canada...

brenda from the prairies
said

Imre Attila Janos Torma

You are wrong about seniors having to work...some do, many don't have to, they want to.

My sister is 75 years old, and is still working part time because she LOVES HER JOB...she says she would die if she had to give her job up.

Love this budget..love the Conservatives...they ROCK!

wc
said

Excellent budget. Nice job co opting the liberals on Afghanistan, Harper doesn't need a majority.

As far as climate change nothing will happen till the US gets on side so save your breath. We are going through the bio fuels transition first and the comes nuclear.

What an irony, all that environmental complaining yields a renewed commitment to nuclear. Makes me laugh.

Jim
said

About the TSFA (tax free savings account)...

Are these specialized accounts or any old savings account? And what are we really getting out of this? If I put 5G's in an account, at 4% savings, I would earn $200 for the year. If my tax rate is 30% then ll I'm saving is $60 for the year....$5 a month. BIG DEAL!

Or am I missing something else? Does the 5 G's fall under this tax shelter too? If so, then I can see advantages BUT if not...its waste of paperwork.

Gail
said

This budget is not only prudent, but helps those in the lower and middle income brackets. The only ones against the budget obviously don't want to help themselves, but want bigger government dependency. Most environmentalists want to see Canada's economy at a third world level {a UN global village perspective). This democracy is going in the right direction thanks to centrist policies and spending.

Robert
said

This "break" for seniors still does not ease the pain Flaherty gave us a year ago Halloween.

James
said

It is nice to see debt being paid down which will pay dividends for decades to come. This government is being fiscally prudent which is a nice change from previous governments.

rosie
said

Good budget.Is there no pleasing the environmentalists though?250mil for a carbon capture project is a great idea. If they find a way to capture some emissions before they go into the atmosphere that would be awesome .Canada could sell or share this technology with other countries.could create alot of jobs too.sadly ,I think some enviros would rather see mankind forced to change our lifestyles as opposed to finding a technological solution that doesn't include a carbon tax or trading scheme.

John Flatt
said

The tax free savings account is just a start. The $5000 annual limit could easily be increased in coming years as a sweetener for voters.

HB
said

Yeah, it is great being the most prosperous country in the world (with the biggest surplus) , but at what cost?
Infraestructure crumbling down, cities going bankrupt, health care going down, education without enough funds for materials and resources, homelessness growing steadily and the environment, not even a concern. Oh yeah, it's great...

Michael
said

As a former financial advisor I can tell you the savings plan announced today is a HUGE concession to the taxpayors of Canada. People can now save and actually get ahead without the feds always taking back tax every year. This way your savings/investment grows tax free and compounds tax free! This is huge folks.

FreakAlert
said

I highly doubt the average middle class family will be able to pike away $5k/year. Just another tax break for the wealthy.

UN reports that worldwide food shortages and soaring prices(infation) will lead to civil unrest globally. So, new armed officers will be needed.

One of the four C-17 Globemaster military cargo planes costs, plus to maintain it, 1 billion dollars. Could of continued leasing Russian cargo planes at a mere $25 million/year. You do the math. But, I guess, $500 million for public infrastructure is better than nothing.

As far as paying down the nearly half trillion dollar national debt, ask how much of that is interest and how much is principle. The answer is shocking.

After so many years of surplus, the Harper regime spent the peoples money, leaving them all but a few crumbs.

Bhavna
said

This is really good budget, specially Tax Free Account. It will encourage us to invest more in nation.

Brooke - Alta
said

Crime may be down slightly, but the death of officers while on duty is increasing... I am glad to see a projected increase in police staff so that officers are no longer responding to potentially violent scenes on their own... Perhaps we can lower the police death rate this year too.

Deanne Wuttunee
said

Census 2006 indicates that Aboriginal populations are vastly on the rise, where in the budget is the government going to be putting money into these communities? (other than 300 million to safe drinking water to over 650+ Aboriginal communities) Or is this still the day and age of assimilation policies and cultural genocide????

Andr� Lavergne
said

Kevin: "I am glad to see some marked improvements for low income seniors. I think this is the first time the conservatives have thrown them a bone."

Too bad it's only a bone.

Mau
said

This budget, looking at when these things will actually be available was best suited to be given a year or two from now. Not a great budget at all. I can promise you the moon down the road as well.

Dump this government.

Mickeyko
said

My mom retired for one year, and then found that her pension was too low, plus she was not "transitioning" into retirement. She went back to work 3/4 time. Obviously, she was penalized as her benefits were clawedback, as well as my Dad's pension. Hopefully, this new initiative will help them out. Mom is working in an industry which has a hard time recruiting and retaining employees. Why not some incentive towards that?

Rick
said

It sure is nice to see Liberal policies being brought in by Mr. Harper.

raj
said

Tax free saving accounts.This is good for us - very good.It is also good for my aging parents.
I like this budget.I saw that Dion didnt like it, but he wont fight it.
Layton didn't see it, and already stated he wont vote with it.

David Longhurst
said

Minority governments are the way to go - I wish we had them all the time. As soon as the conservatives don't have the liberals chasing them they will start cutting spending. And if the liberals go back to a majority - they will increase taxes with abandon and waste money on who-knows-what. Go minority governments!

Vince
said

The conservatives are not misguided on the environment. I would say they are doing more than they need to. Considering the recent reports of a worldside cooling taking place due to changes in the Sun just hurts the Global Warming cause.

Good move Harper, great Budget.

JF
said

No more auto rebates!.. No carbon tax.. despite everything else they promised - using money that already belongs to tax-payers anyway - means they again missed out on the fundamental issue of our time... averting further climate change. Ignoring Canada's commitments to the Kyoto agreement, which was already ratified, is a violation of law, pure and simple. As a result of this one issue alone the conservatives have no credibility and their words are worthless. Ofcourse, honesty is not something of importance it seems to the ultra right wing audience of this blog anyway so no surprise at the comments so far.

Luke
said

The only thing missing was some legislation protecting consumers from the gouging they are recieving at the gas pumps

Beel
said

Last years budget again - nothing. no vision from this reactionary government. I hope they didn't check whether the whitehouse approved of this budget beforehand.

Mike
said

Status of women?
Court challenges program?

R.E.A.L. Women is not cutting it. Not even close.
Equality through advocacy is what we need.

Kim
said

Thank god for minority governments. Wa all know what would happen if Harper had a majority (Think Klein cutbacks and Harris intolerance and look at the results today)

Harper needs the minority to do the right thing and the Liberals need the Conservatives to implment changes that they should have done long ago.

Too bad no one speaks up for the environment.

GP
said

Not a bad budget at all...good work.

Just get rid of Mr. Harper's control issues and neo-conservative policies and I'm onboard all the way.

Jenna
said

I have to ask where is the money for the farmers who are responsible to feed this country. It is sad to see that they have been forgotten and given such a small amount of help from our government. They are still suffering the effects from BSE yet nobody seems to care about this.

michelle
said

if the liberals came out with consistent huge surpluses, the conservatives would surely be screaming about how the government is overtaxing us. I guess Harper has no backbone, and can't stomach the thought of losing power anytime soon.. especially to Dion.

Very telling, policy driven by the need to stay in power, is this how our system has evolved to work? Why does Ontario still get overtaxed so much disproportionately. 9 billion dollars or so a year is being taken - mostly to pay down the debt of the entire country. Is this fair to Ontarians?

Albertaview
said

Another tax break for the well off. Who has an extra five grand?

Mike
said

Nothing fancy. Just business. A prudent and non-attention seaking budget.

Although I don't agree with all of their stances, they represent Canadians well both at home and abroad. This budget is another example of their commitment to polital and fiscal balance. And you can't get any more Canadian than that!

This is the best federal governement I've seen. I am very impressed with how much they have accomplished as a minority government.

It's time to give them the majority! They've earned it.

john
said

400 million for 2500 'front line' police officers! about the same for higher education. Does that mean that the conservatives believe that a higher educated population will need many more police? And what will happen to police standards, 2500 is a lot of cops. Is Harper anticipating something?

Maneesh Vaidya
said

So spend billions on Arms but nothing for middle class.
Why spend so much on police force. Why not spend that public transit.

Spend in Ontario and major cities so Conservative can get vote.

Brian
said

Now let the Liberals vote against this budget and they will be guaranteed to lose a lot of votes. Looks like they are cornered again . The next election will likely be on the set date in October 2009

Adam
said

Money for Education...it's a start but there needs to be more!

bob
said

Crime is down yet we keep focusing on it. Manditory Minimum, Canceling parole, and 2,500 more cops... Where is the fire

Pat -Winnipeg
said

I like this.I will vote for them this time if an election is called.

Cameron
said

Imagine a government who is actually spending not only within their means, but actually paying down debt! Congratulations to Harper...and I'm a liberal

Hatrock
said

This Tax Free Savings Account is ingenious.

Cory
said

The Liberals clearly have no play here as there is no 'poison pill' anywhere to be found. We'll just have to see how they humilate themselves this time when the vote comes. Will they sit on there hands or will they stampede out of the House? At the end of the day, Dion is still not a leader.

Harry
said

TFSA - Who has $ to put into this. After huge mortgage, high gas prices, and education, there's little left for food.

Denise
said

Armed officers on street corners? We already have those, they're called police.

Mark
said

A good plan that builds for our future as the worlds most prosperous nation.
Canada is indeed on the right track.

Fred
said

Don't we ever learn? There's way too much spending in this budget. 13% annual increases are unsustainable. Looks like we will be going through the pain of the 1990s deficit reductions before long. Maybe we'll learn the lesson the next time.

Karen Foubert
said

Does the Transit money come with a promise to keep John Baird out of the picture or will those cities end up like Ottawa. Promises made and taken away when Mr. Baird doesn't like the city council?? I would take this announcement very lightly otherwise.

SuperDave
said

The new "tax-free savings plan" is interesting and may encourage Canadians to become more of a nation of savers, which would be good for the whole country.

Imre Attila Janos Torma
said

"This will benefit low and modest-income seniors who choose to continue working," the budget states."

Choice? Most seniors that keep on working HAVE NO CHOICE in the matter!!
What a joke that statement is!!!!
They are working to their death. Shame on our rich society that neglects so, so many people including the seniors.

Sask. Jim
said

Just gotta love the NDP and the BQ....indicating rejection before hearing or seeing the budget. I'll tell you, it's not that bad of a budget.

GGE
said

This budget will pass. It is extremely disappointing however that the Conservatives have so little vision and therefore so little budget for the environment. That is the single biggest issue facing our country and our planet. Odd. It will be the defining issue of our time. It will be interesting to see where the other party's position themselves on the environment vis-a-vis the Conservatives as it looks like an election wont occur until 2009. By 2009 the environment will be 'the' issue. It seems so natural to align the environment with a new green economy and thus all those opportunities to be a global leader. The Conservatives are missing the boat. That will haunt them at the next election. In the meantime this budget will be supported and passed by the Liberals.

Leonard R.
said

Stephen Harper could be the smartest politician in Canada hands down. He has the Liberals running circles just to stay caught up. Harpers politics are brilliant for any Conservative fan. Yet he also moves all of Canada in the right direction. I see majorities in his future.

Tony
said

Thumbs up from this cowboy.

Bang up budget.

steve
said

Typical war on crime budget. All smoke and mirrors until Canadians wake up one day to find armed officers on street corners...

IAN
said

I have been following Canadian politics a very long time and this may be the best government Canada has ever had. They have earned a majority.

Kevin
said

I am glad to see some marked improvements for low income seniors. I think this is the first time the conservatives have thrown them a bone.

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