Commons Corner

On November 14, 2005, Minister of Finance Ralph Goodale tabled the Government of Canada’s Economic and Fiscal update.

This new Economic Plan is about growth and prosperity for all Canadians, our shared goals of sustainable healthy communities, high-quality public health care and opportunities for our children.

To fully participate in the 21st century economy, Canadian must have all the opportunities to acquire skills, training and education they need. The Liberal government will make this possible by focusing on four key areas.

1. Creating Opportunities for all Canadians
2. Advancing an Innovative Economy
3. Positioning Canada at the Centre of Global Commerce and Networks; and
4. Building the Right Investment Environment

This is a medium-term plan for the Canadian economy. It cannot be achieved in one year or one budget, but the dramatic turnaround in our economy over the last decade proves that it can be achieved, to benefit all Canadians.

The government will invest in post-secondary education to make it more affordable for lower and middle-income Canadians. The post-secondary learning institutions will receive assistance that will allow them to keep up with the demands of increasing enrolment, again infrastructure, changing in learning technology and out of date equipment.

In the workplace, there will be an increase in workplace-based training, and assistance for Canadians with disabilities to participate in the workforce.

For the business community, we will focus on supporting open markets through continued engagement in forums such as the (WTO) World Trade Organization and through agreements such as the (NAFTA) North American Free Trade Agreement. We will encourage foreign direct investment, which will remain an important source of technology, ideas and jobs.

This new plan is to promote job creation, stimulate research and development and boost Canada’s investment climate. Our commitment to childcare, post-secondary education, and support on open markets will have an impact on the many families and businesses in Ottawa-Orléans. I strongly believe that these measures will not only benefit Ottawa-Orléans but all Canadians and will strengthen Canada’s position in the Global economy.

I invite you to contact me at my riding office by e-mail, Godbom1@parl.gc.ca or by telephone 590-0999.  I look forward to hearing from you. Together we can make our beautiful community even stronger.