Ron Cannan, Member of Parliament for Kelowna-Lake Country says today’s budget is a practical, no nonsense budget that stays the course and helps the local economy.

“The budget focused on jobs and keeping Canadians working.  In the past few weeks I have spoken with constituents, local business and organizations like the Chamber of Commerce and they all said the same thing -the number one priority is jobs and the economy,”  said Cannan.

Cannan said the Budget came through on a number of fronts and one program in particular.   

“I was specifically looking for an extension to the Workshare program which has helped local businesses retain jobs throughout the recession.  The Government has extended it for another 26 weeks bringing the total to 78 and I know some local businesses who are going to be very relieved,” he said. 

Cannan said that any business that wants to extend its WorkShare agreement with the government should contact their WorkShare program officer at Service Canada.

“I think that families and seniors are also breathing a big sigh of relief to know that their taxes did not go up and that the Government will keep funding transfers to the Province for healthcare and education,” he said.

As well Cannan noted that the Government is committed to ensuring that the pension system will remain stable and solid now and in the future which is what local seniors wanted to hear. 

Cannan said that the community is and will continue to benefit from more than $68 million in essential infrastructure renewal for highways, transit, water, college and university infrastructure and skills training.  

“The outlook for our local economy is good and consumer and business confidence is growing. I think this budget found a solid balance between getting on with the economic recovery and laying the ground work for future stability,” he said.  This is going to keep the local economy going, maintain jobs and create new ones and that’s what it’s all about,” he concluded.