Harper Government Committed to Supporting Southwestern Ontario

January 15, 2010

Finley and Flaherty meet with Southwestern Ontario Caucus for Pre-Budget Consultations

Toronto, ON - The Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, and the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister responsible for Southwestern Ontario, were pleased with their meeting with Southwestern Ontario caucus to discuss pre-budget priorities for Canada's Economic Action Plan Phase II.

"Our priority in the next Session of Parliament will be continuation of the rapid and effective implementation of Canada's Economic Action Plan," said Minister Flaherty. "While the recovery is fragile, we must look ahead to future challenges and opportunities to ensure Canada is best positioned to maximize economic growth."
From our area, Joe Preston, Member of Parliament for Elgin-Middlesex-London and Southwestern Ontario Caucus Chair along with Ed Holder, Member of Parliament for London West participated in today’s meetings. Preston said “it was important that we gathered with Minister Flaherty to present ideas for our region. We were able to discuss the requirements and issues as we continue with pre-budget consultations.”

"Investments in infrastructure and initiatives to protect existing jobs and stimulate new job creation must continue across Southwestern Ontario," said Diane Finley. "This is a region with distinct needs, and the people of Southernwestern Ontario deserve economic programs delivered in ways specifically tailored to their own priorities."  

The Southwestern Ontario caucus met on common ground and goals across the region, bringing to the table the voices of their constituents. Canada's Economic Action Plan Phase II will help communities and businesses in Southernwestern Ontario position themselves to take advantage of opportunities, as economic growth recovers in Canada and around the world.