FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
   

AJAX/PICKERING, ON (March 4, 2010) – The Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade and Canadian Chamber of Commerce welcomed the federal government’s strategy, announced yesterday, to achieve its recovery plan, to return to balanced budgets and to promote a more innovative and competitive economy.

“Nearly 70 per cent of our membership falls in the category of small- to medium-sized business and this budget presents advantages to them,” says Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade President Jason Cameron. “The reduction in paperwork demands for filing taxes for this business class is a good example of this and something we have long lobbied for.”
In extending the work-sharing program by 14 weeks, Canada has made it possible for companies to retain their talented workers on the road to economic recovery. Long term, the Board believes this budget is a strategy that stands as an example of government being run in a business-like fashion.
“The government is showing leadership with prudent cost cutting and the decision to freeze operating budgets and salaries,” added Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade Government Relations Chair Joan Wideman. “We support the substantial reduction in spending and cost efficiencies they have targeted in order to return to balanced budgets in the years ahead.”
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce supports the Government’s plans to reduce Canada’s federal deficit.
“Business people throughout Canada are worried about the federal deficit. We’re glad that the government responded to the Canadian Chamber’s call for a commitment to balance the books, but they must now make it happen. The substantial spending increases of past years are clearly not sustainable and the Canadian Chamber will focus on ensuring that Ottawa reins in spending and improves efficiencies as the recovery takes hold,” said Canadian Chamber President and CEO Perrin Beatty.
The Canadian Chamber strongly believes that the government can balance its books over the medium term without increasing taxes. “In recent years we have made Canada a more attractive place to invest, innovate and create jobs by improving our international tax competitiveness. We cannot afford to erase this hard-earned progress,” said Beatty.
“With changing demographics and the need to sustain an aging population, the cost of government programs will be increasingly shouldered by a shrinking percentage of workers. We must get our fiscal house in order to gain the economic flexibility needed to prepare for the jobs of tomorrow and to adapt to future economic shocks. The government must not only recognize this pressing issue, but must also lay out a specific plan to address it” added Beatty.
The Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade and Canadian Chamber also support plans to act proactively on a digital economy strategy that encourages businesses to adopt e-commerce technologies. The recognition of the economic clout of our small and medium-sized businesses to innovate and the need to enable them to continue - even increase - their contribution by removing unnecessary, job-killing regulation is long overdue.


Holding the line on direct and indirect tax increases and promoting innovation will help Canada compete on the world stage.
“The global economy rewards world leaders and punishes stragglers. It’s time for Canada to go for gold,” Beatty stated.

About the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade:

The Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade is the voice of the business community in Ajax and Pickering. Established in 1955, the 600-plus members represent an array of business sectors ranging from the service industry to manufacturers and distributors. The group’s advocacy and policy initiatives focus on issues relating to such things as economic development, health care, education, transportation issues, community and social development, environment, and energy.

To learn more about the Board, or to become a member, please go to www.apboardoftrade.com.

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For additional information, or to arrange interviews please contact:
Dave Stell
Communications Specialist
905-686-0883 ext 229
dstell@apboardoftrade.com