Michael Ignatieff Votes against Canada’s Economic Recovery

September 18, 2009

On September 18, 2009, after months of election-sabre rattling despite Canadians clearly stating they don’t want an unnecessary election only 11 months after the last federal election, Michael Ignatieff and the Liberal Party voted against urgently needed economic measures. 

Despite voting IN SUPPORT of these measures only months ago when the Liberals supported the 2009 budget, when it came time to put words into action, Ignatieff and his liberals voted against economic recovery when it mattered the most. This is despite every other political party realizing the urgency of the legislation and lending their support on behalf of Canadians from Coast to Coast to Coast.

He voted against the recession-fighting Home Renovation Tax Credit that’s helping not just homeowners, but everyone from lumber producers to construction workers, as well as hardware and home building supply stores.

Other important measures that are crucial to helping Canadians cope with the effects of the global recession include: 

• First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit to assist first-time homebuyers with the costs associated with buying a home, such as legal fees;
• Enhanced Working Income Tax Benefit to help ensure low-income workers are better off financially by remaining or becoming employed;
• Extended tax deferral available to farmers in drought and flood regions to help farmers cope with extreme weather conditions;
• Tariff Relief to make it easier for Canadian businesses to import and export goods by improving the rules on temporary cargo containers.

The Government of Canada will continue to provide strong economic leadership despite the misguided efforts of the Opposition, who clearly can’t be counted on by Canadians in their urgent time of need.