Real Results for Northern Families

March 10, 2008

This weekend Prime Minister Stephen Harper travelled to Yellowknife for the opening of the 20th annual Arctic winter games. The games bring together northern inhabitants from around the world in the spirit of friendly competition and shared cultural values. Our athletes and the local hosts will undoubtedly do an outstanding job of representing the very best of Canada to the world.

Today the Prime Minister will be talking about the next steps in building on the limitless potential in Canada’s North. The Conservative Government is taking real action to help Northern families live in one of the most beautiful, but most challenging, regions of the world.

Most recently, Budget 2008 has increased the Northern Residents Deduction by 10%. By improving the tax benefits for living in Northern Canada, the Conservative Government is helping more Northern families keep money in their own pockets, while encouraging more skilled labour to pursue opportunities in our Northern communities.

In addition, Budget 2008 contains incentives for mining companies to invest in Canada’s North, where they are playing a major role in many local economies.

Making real investments in Canada’s North also sends a clear message that the sovereignty of our Arctic territories is beyond dispute. The Conservative Government is committed to a “Use it or lose it” approach to Northern development. While previous Liberal Governments took the North for granted, the Conservative Government let our neighbours and allies know, loud and clear, that Canada’s Northern and Arctic regions belong to us alone.

Prime Minister Harper and the Conservative Government believe that the health, development and success of our North are essential to the future prosperity of Canada. That’s why we’re delivering real results for Northern families, ensuring that where there are dreams, success will not be far behind.

Real leadership. Real results. Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Conservative Government are getting things done for Canada’s Northern communities.