March 22, 2016

OTTAWA – Rona Ambrose, Leader of the Official Opposition and Interim Leader of the Conservative Party issued the following statement earlier today following the tabling of Budget 2016:

“As Canada’s Official Opposition we will fight to keep money in your pocket at every turn. This Budget is a nightmare scenario for taxpayers who will be forced to pick up the tab for today’s Liberal spending spree.

“This budget puts taxpayers on the hook for out of control Liberal spending that will lead to more waste and mismanagement.

“The Liberal election pledge to borrow a “modest” ten billion dollars per year has been cast aside and in its place a shocking $30 billion dollars is being borrowed this year alone. Canadians gave them an inch, and they’re taking miles. After breaking such a simple promise, we can’t trust them to control spending, manage our economy or create the jobs we need.

“The amount of money the Liberals plan to borrow is shocking — $113 billion over the next 5 years. When it comes to spending your money, the Liberals just can’t help themselves.

“Most disappointing is the absence of anything resembling a jobs plan to help Canadians find work. This is especially troubling for those families who make their livelihood in the oil and gas industry and will see today’s Budget as a further condemnation of their desire to get back to work.

“What the Liberals don’t seem to understand is that borrowed money has to be paid back. They are already raising taxes on families, youth and small businesses, with more to come down the line as debt payments come due.

“It’s an unfortunate situation given the Liberal Party took over the country’s finances with a balanced budget, the lowest taxes in 50 years and a stellar job creation record. All due to strong Conservative economic management.

“Going forward, Canada’s Official Opposition will demand a real plan to create jobs, fight to keep more money in the pockets of hardworking Canadians and press the Government to live within our means by getting the budget back to balance as soon as possible.”