Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the citizens of my riding to commend the Minister of Finance for the significant investments and tax changes made in budget 2007.
In my riding of Peterborough the additional support for our seniors will relieve a heavy tax burden off of more than 20,000 of my valued constituents. Peterborough is a blue collar town, relying on the success of Ontario's manufacturing, agricultural and tourism industries. The support for families in budget 2007, in particular those with children under the age of 18, was both well received and long overdue.
The Peterborough riding is the proud home of two of the finest post-secondary institutions in Canada. If Canada is to take its place as a global leader in today's competitive world, institutions like Trent University and Sir Sanford Fleming College must be adequately supported. The 40% federal increase in post-secondary transfers will enable them to provide both an affordable and accessible post-secondary education that is of the utmost quality.
On behalf of the citizens of the Peterborough riding, I thank the Minister of Finance for his vision and commitment to a stronger, better, safer Canada.