Tony expounds on possible coalition government

NEWS RELEASE

TONY MARTIN, MP

************************* Coalition government good for Sault Ste. Marie, Algoma

'People want a government to help them through hard times,' Martin says

SAULT STE. MARIE – The coalition Liberal-NDP government ready to replace the Conservatives will be good for people in Sault Ste. Marie [and] Algoma, MP Tony Martin said today.

"The two parties have identified common ground to get more infrastructure money out faster in an economic stimulus package along with a national housing strategy and wiping away the two-week waiting period for EI," Martin said today.

"We are committing to help the auto and forestry sectors. Our two parties also have private member's bills for a stand-alone FedNor agency. These are all important priorities for Sault Ste. Marie [and] Algoma."

Martin said it was important to remember Northern Ontario elected so many New Democrat MPs because they believed their action plan would make a difference in their lives.

"The coalition government is the best way to implement this plan."

Here are Martin's other comments on the government crisis:

- "I want people in my riding to know the NDP did try to negotiate with the Conservatives. I have tried for almost three years to have them look at a comprehensive anti-poverty plan with no success. They are a party that believes that tax cuts are the best and only answer to all that challenges us as a country. We saw where that got us with Mike Harris."

- "This is not about the cuts to political funding that was simply the straw that broke the camel's back. It was the clearest indication of Stephen Harper’s disdain for Parliament and a healthy opposition. Democracy just became too expensive for him. This effort is about both the lack of understanding and real response to this serious recession happening in our economy."

- "The Prime Minister had plenty of opportunity to reach out to Parliament for support. Instead, he governed as if he had a majority. All the Opposition parties put forward proposals, and none were reflected in either the Speech from the Throne or the economic update."

- "I fear for the livelihoods of the growing number of at-risk people and families in our country. Harper has no plan to help them. I think this coalition which is very clear in its structure and intent is the only opportunity we have to make a real difference. Yes it is different but not new. I am concerned about the future of the country and the many communities and families across Canada that will be hurt badly by this downturn in our economy."

*************************