Dear Constituent,

This month I want to give you an update on Stephen Harper's Economic Action Plan, how it is progressing, and what else we've been doing to bolster our economy.

The popular Home Renovation Tax Credit finally received approval in the House of Commons. If you haven't already, I would encourage all home owners to take part in this great program. Time is running out - the credit is for the 2009 tax year only.

We're also working hard to support Canada's manufacturing sector. Last month we started a new temporary initiative to help creditworthy manufacturers find the funds to keep production going until the economy improves.

Lastly, you might have already heard about our proposed changes to Employment Insurance to give even more help to long-tenured workers who lose their jobs. We're going to temporarily extend EI benefits to folks who've paid into the system for years and now find they need a hand up.

I've included more information about these and more initiatives below for you if you're interested.

As always, if you have any questions or wish to share your thoughts, please never hesitate to get in touch with me.

Best regards,

- Dean

 
Helpful Links

Grants for Apprentices

Information about Canada Savings Bonds

Youth Drug Prevention Strategy - Information for Parents

How to apply for Employment Insurance

The Bank of Canada's Online interactive Inflation Calculator



Fair, Responsible Economic Management



Better EI for Long-Tenured Workers:
Our government has introduced legislation that would extend EI benefits to unemployed long-tenured workers. These are folks who've worked and paid EI premiums for a long time without receiving much in the way of EI benefits.
For more information - click here.-

Helping Canada's Manufacturers:
The Business Development Bank of Canada has introduced a temporary measure to help shuttered auto parts manufacturers to re-start production as part of the Economic Action Plan's Business Credit Availability Program.
For more information - click here.-

Home Renovation Tax Credit:
This non-refundable tax credit is based on eligible expenses for improving your home, condo, or cottage. It can be claimed on your 2009 tax return and it applies to purchases made after January 27th, 2009 and before February 2010.
For more information - click here.-


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