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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday December 17, 2008 - 3 Raitt says federal budget deficit will be short-term measure By Tim Foran METROLAND WEST MEDIA GROUP She could only stay for a short while, but it was enough time to spread the message of the country's finance minister to businesspeople in Milton: expect a possible deficit in an effort to stimulate Canada's economy in the upcoming federal budget Jan. 27. The news on the economic front from Halton Conservative MP Lisa Raitt was an echo of recent statements by Finance Minister Jim Flaherty, who said late last week a deficit is possible in the upcoming budget. "It doesn't mean it's going to be long term," Raitt explained to attendees at Tuesday's morning meeting of the Milton Chamber of Commerce. The speech from the Minister of Natural Resources took place at an early 7 a.m. as Raitt was due to make a presentation on Canada's forestry industry to Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the cabinet later in the morning. A deficit has been expected as the government has already committed itself to including a stimulus in the next budget. "When you have one shot to get the economy stimulated ... we want to do it right and we want to take our time." Lisa Raitt, Halton MP An essential part of that stimulus will be spending on infrastructure, said Raitt. She said an announcement would likely come in some weeks as to what capital projects may get the go ahead. Expediting infrastructure projects is one of the examples listed by the Finance Minister's office as potential economic stimuli. Others include investing in housing, supporting workers and sectors affected by the economy, and improving access to credit. Raitt cautioned that "expectations should be managed" about any fiscal stimulus. "This will be a Conservative budget," she said. "It will uphold Conservative values." She also touched on an issue extremely important to Halton, the so-called bailout of Canada's automotive sector. Any final package shouldn't be completed until the United States government comes to a conclusion on what would be offered to the `Big Three' auto manufacturers, Raitt explained. "When you have one shot to get the economy stimulated...we want to do it right and we want to take our time," she said. The federal government and Ontario are prepared to offer Canada's `Big Three' about 20 per cent of whatever package is given to their parent companies in the U.S. The automotive sector is extremely important in Halton, where the largest employer is Ford in Oakville. Five of Milton's top 10 employers are also auto parts manufacturers. The two Canadian governments are right to wait, said a manager in that sector who attended Raitt's speech. Steve Adams, general manager of Milton's Reliance Machine Works, a small shop that makes tooling and machinery for Ford, Chrysler and GM, said any bailout in Canada wouldn't work unless the U.S. moves to help out the `Big Three' as well. However, Adams said he was hoping for more information from Raitt on jobcreating measures that would be included in the stimulus. "I like being fiscally responsible...but the people losing their jobs as well need to be working," Adams explained. "They can't buy cars...without a job." The government needs to be open about what projects could qualify for stimulus funding, said Joseph Salemi, a spokesperson for the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association, headquartered in Milton. The lobbying group for the $2.2 billion nursery sector has proposed a national planting program to the federal government. The group envisions an increase of 30 to 40 per cent of the current 200,000 employees in that sector with such a program. "It would not only stimulate our industry, but it would give municipalities not only a better appearance to their residents, but also improve carbon emissions and clean water systems," Anselmi said. Raitt said she solicited opinions from residents of Halton on the priorities for the Region at two recent public meetings in Oakville and Milton. A third meeting is scheduled to take place in Burlington Jan. 10. The Finance Minister's office is in the midst of collecting recommendations online for what could be included in the stimulus package as part of budget consultations. To participate, visit www.fin.gc.ca/scripts/prebudgetsurvey/selectMainPri orities_e.asp. BATHROOM RENOVATIONS? Oakville man charged in house party melee Three people were charged after a partygoer allegedly assaulted a Halton police officer while others threw beer bottles and cans at police at a party in Burlington. Officers were called to a Hannah Street address Saturday night to remove about 100 partygoers. Det.-Sgt. Walt Bucci said one partygoer who was asked to leave his half-full beer behind tried to force his way past, struggling with an officer. Bucci said a second partygoer jumped in to intervene. Some people started throwing beer bottles and cans toward officers and their cruisers. One beer can hurled at a police vehicle damaged it, he confirmed. "Someone could have been seriously hurt," said Bucci. Three 19 year olds were charged following the melee. A Burlington man is charged with assaulting police and resisting arrest, while another local man faces a charge of obstructing police. An Oakville man is charged with mischief under $5,000. GIVE YOUR BATHROOM THE FACTORY TILE TOUCH See our design team to transform your space We specialize in importing and supplying quality Granite, Caesarstone, Marble, Ceramics, Porcelain and Natural Stone Ask about our Custom Glass Shower Doors & Floor Heating Tile selection made enjoyable! 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