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Ottawa, May 1, 2006
2006-012

Canada’s New Government Is Turning a New Leaf With First Budget

Minister of Finance Jim Flaherty will table the Harper government’s first budget tomorrow, delivering real results for hard-working Canadians. To mark the occasion, Minister Flaherty was joined by a group of students to plant a maple tree at Sir William Stephenson Public School, Whitby’s newest elementary school.

"Like the Harper Government and like this school, planting a tree signifies a new beginning," said Minister Flaherty. "We are turning a new leaf. We are firmly rooting a future of hope, opportunity and positive growth for all Canadians."

The Minister said the budget will build on the plan set out in the Speech from the Throne, enabling the Government to make further progress on delivering on its five key priorities:

• Cleaning up government by enacting and enforcing the Federal Accountability Act.

• Lowering taxes for working Canadians, starting by reducing the goods and services tax.

• Protecting Canadian families and communities by strengthening the justice system.

• Supporting parents’ child care choices through direct assistance and by creating more day care spaces.

• Delivering the health care Canadians need, when they need it, by developing a Patient Wait Times Guarantee with the provinces.

"This maple tree will stand as a living monument to our government’s commitment to a stronger Canada and this school’s commitment to excellence in education," said Minister Flaherty. "As we mentioned in the Speech from the Throne, our government will work diligently to make tangible improvements that contribute to stronger families, safer communities and a stronger country."

Minister Flaherty will deliver the budget in the House of Commons beginning at approximately 4:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, May 2, 2006.

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