Balanced budget pledge welcomed, but cuts needed to make it reality

OTTAWA, ON: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) brought its National Debt Clock to the Conservative Party’s national convention on June 9, 2011 to remind Prime Minister Stephen Harper and party delegates that the federal debt continues to grow by over $1,024 per second.

Speaking in front the National Debt Clock outside of the convention, CTF National Research Director, Derek Fildebrandt stated, “We are here with a visual reminder for the Prime Minister and Conservative Party delegates that the federal debt is growing at over $1,024 per second. While we are pleased the government has moved up their plan

to balance the budget by 2014, the Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, Tory MPs and delegates at this weekend’s convention are going to have to say ‘no’ to new spending and ‘yes’ to cuts.”

The CTF gave this week’s budget its tepid support for pledging modest spending restraint and slashing political welfare.

“We have a long list of cuts that this government can make and we will be bringing that message to Treasury Board President, Tony Clement,” said Fildebrandt. “Without any details in the budget on where they will be cutting, we intend to help them put some meat on the bones of that plan.”

Turning to the convention, Fildebrandt concluded, “Whatever the merits of the policies these delegates are debating, unless and until the budget is balanced, the government’s hands are largely tied.”

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For more information please contact:
National Research Director Derek Fildebrandt at:
1-800-265-0442 (office), 613-794-6554 (mobile) or dfildebrandt@taxpayer.com