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Tories deliver 'bare' budget

Delta-Richmond East MP defends cuts to fisheries, environment

A "do-nothing," "bare bones," and "staythe-course" budget unveiled by the Canadian government on Tuesday will seek to balance the country's finances next year, according to Delta-Richmond East MP, Kerry-Lynne Findlay.

This year's budget for 2014-15 calls for a deficit of $2.9 billion while a surplus of $6.4 billion is expected the following year. In 2009 the annual deficit reached $55.6 billion following a global recession.

The Conservative MP said the Canadian government managed to pull itself out of economic trouble more than most countries around the world.

She said this budget will stand up for consumer rights and jobs for youth.

The government is introducing new money for internships and apprenticeships as well as the new Canada Jobs Grant program.

The Canadian government is promising legislation to reduce unfair price disparities between the U.S. and Canada on identical products, increase competition in the wireless phone market and deliver new or improved broadband internet to rural Canada.

Findlay said a new search and rescue volunteers tax credit could benefit volunteer searchers on the Fraser River - as will a $40 million cross-Canada program to improve small harbours such as Steveston.

"I continue to tell people in Ottawa Steveston is home to the largest fishing port in Canada, so this should be good news for us," said Findlay.

When asked about her government's cuts to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans in B.C. and Environment Canada and its general record on the environment, Findlay said recent efforts to dredge the Fraser as well as improved pilotage standards will improve marine transportation safety up the river.

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