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Canadian Throne Speech Promises 'Clear and Focused Plan'

by Rob Walker | January 26, 2009 at 11:35 am

225 views | 16 Recommendations | 4 comments

In stark contrast to a throne speech it gave at the end of November, the Canadian Conservative government directly addressed the current economic crisis and pledged a 6-point economic rivival plan.

Governor General Michaëlle Jean addressed parliament on Monday and said the Conservatives will be releasing the budget tomorrow. The highly-anticipated budget is currently being printed under lock and key and will be released at 4pm tomorrow.

You can check out NowPublic's continuing coverage at our Canadian Politics page.

The Conservative government will present a six-point economic stimulus plan in its coming budget to rescue Canada's sagging economy in the face of the current global crisis, Gov. Gen. Michaëlle Jean said Monday in her speech from the throne on Parliament Hill.
The plan includes stimulating the economy through public and private investment, including immediate cash for infrastructure, as well as offering help for the poor, the unemployed, aboriginals and struggling industries such as the auto sector and forestry, Jean said.

Gov. Gen. Jean said the economic stimulus package would attempt to help at-risk Canadians in the current climate, like the unemployed, small business owners, families, etc. She said those investments would be specifically targetted and done immediately

"Canadians face a diffult year - perhaps several difficult years," said Jean.

She said the Conservatives had 'a clear and focused plan' and will spend what is necessary to stimulate the economy and protect Canada's future stability.

Gilles Duceppe, leader of the Bloc Quebecois, wasn't part of the liberal-ndp coalition but had stated his support for them had an election been called, spoke to reporters after the speech:

"We'll see what's in the budget. As far as equalization goes, there was no mention of that. As to young offenders, it's what was in the last speech," said Duceppe. "Nothing on kyoto, nothing on the environment."

"Canada will be the only industrialized nation dealing with this."

Newly-minted Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff said there was a lot of contrast between the 'provoking, devisive' speech in the speech last fall and the one given today on the throne.

"We don't know the language we have to believe, the language given at the end of november or the language today," said Ignatieff.

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Uwe Paschen

at 15:07 on January 26th, 2009

We shall see what is and is not tomorrow.

158

at 17:20 on January 26th, 2009

This is a time for Canadian parties to work together for the good of Canada.

lilianepierrepaul

at 09:56 on January 27th, 2009

This is a picture of the Governor General of Canada, Michaëlle Jean, during a working visit from January 15 to 18, 2009 in Haiti. Photo by Liliane Pierre-Paul

lilianepierrepaul has contributed a photo to this story.

B. Zelley

at 03:20 on January 28th, 2009

Some worthy items that should be interesting in future months.
Of course, we can't rely on the Government to fix the problem.
I guess an important step would be for folks to start spending more.