Statement made on 11 March 2009 by Senator Terry Mercer
Hon. Terry M. Mercer:
Honourable senators, in the face of the current economic catastrophe, the Harper government continues to turn a blind eye to the situation and has even denied certain inarguable facts. I was pleased to see Senator Comeau table a report entitled Canada's Economic Action Plan a few moments ago. Some of us have had a peek at that report since it was tabled yesterday in the other place, and it is interesting to note that it is silent on the subject of job losses. The government seems to have abandoned its previous commitment to create 190,000 jobs. There is no reference to that at all in the report.
Over the past two months, we have heard rumours that almost 250,000 Canadians have lost their jobs. Yesterday, we heard from the Minister of Finance. He denied that anyone predicted this recession and that the Harper government did not need to prepare for it. He seems to think he can rewrite history.
In its first report, the government appears to have admitted that much-needed stimulus will not get out the door before July, August or September, which is well into construction season. That is not acceptable.
My question is for the Leader of the Government in the Senate. When will the Harper government smarten up and work with the opposition to get the needed stimulus to communities before it is too late?
Please click here to read the full text of the Senator's question