Office of Hon. David Kilgour, P.C., M.P., Edmonton – Mill Woods - Beaumont
163 East Block, House of Commons, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0A6
Bureau de l’hon. David Kilgour, C.P. Député, Edmonton – Mill Woods – Beaumont
Pièce 163, Édifice de l’Est, Chambre des communes, Ottawa (Ontario) K1A 0A6

May 19, 2005

Media Release

(Aussi disponible en français)

Many Canadians from my riding and across the country have offered thoughtful advice on today's votes.

Upon much reflection, I’ll vote for C-43 and against C-48.

I have a number of well-known policy differences with the current government. For example, it has failed to demonstrate a sincere commitment to re-establishing Canada's role in the world as a leading nation in peacekeeping and development. Canada is in a position to do more in an increasingly insecure and poverty-stricken world, and this requires courageous leadership.

However, the deciding factor in my decision is a concern about what the postponement of an election will do to Canada's fiscal position. How many more hastily-made long term commitments will the government make if given the opportunity? Those who won the respect of many for restoring fiscal integrity now appear to be putting our economic future at risk.  While I support altering priorities within the present fiscal framework to increase spending on affordable housing and overseas development assistance, I believe that the continuous stream of rapidly-conceived spending promises is not financially responsible.

Many Canadians appear not to favour an early election. However, I think it’s important to clear the political air through an election. Canadians deserve the opportunity to provide a clear mandate to their government by choosing the vision of the future they prefer.
 

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For more information contact:

Magdalene Creskey

Office of Hon. David Kilgour, M.P.

(613) 995-8695

Kilgour@parl.gc.ca