Federal election now risks economic gains, MP Chuck Strahl warns
A federal election now risks losing gains made under the Conservative government's economic action plan, MP Chuck Strahl warned in a news release Tuesday.
"A costly and unnecessary election now jeopardizes that progress at a time of increasing uncertainty in the world," Strahl said in the release.
He said the budget tabled Tuesday by the Conservative government "reflects the priorities of Canadians" and "builds on the past success of our Economic Action Plan."
The next phase of the plan will keep taxes low, and promote further job growth while delivering new support to families and seniors, he said.
However, opposition party leaders signalled they will not support the budget, and Conservative finance minister Jim Flaherty said there are no plans to amend it, so an election call is expected soon.
NDP leader Jack Layton reportedly said the Conservative minority government could survive, if budget changes were made to address NDP issues, but he didn't believe that was a likely prospect.
Liberal Party Leader Michael Ignatieff also rejected the budget, saying there's nothing in it for ordinary Canadians, like affordable housing or childcare.
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