With the Conservatives now, according to this poll, "within striking distance of a majority," it's all the more critical that a fuller analysis of Harper's budget gets out to Canadians.

Just four examples:

1. HARPER'S BUDGET PROMOTES THE PRIVATIZATION OF WATER SERVICES IN CANADA.
Chapter 3 of Budget 2007 states, "The Government's comprehensive long-term infrastructure plan outlined in Chapter 5 will help support investments by provinces, territories and municipalities to improve water and wastewater infrastructure, including treatment facilities, sewage collection and water distribution."

Chapter 5 then states, "The national fund for public-private partnerships, which is a key part of the long-term plan for infrastructure, will encourage the development of the P3 market in Canada. In the case of large projects seeking funding from the Building Canada Fund and the national fund for gateways and border crossings, proponents will also be required to demonstrate that the option of undertaking the project as a public-private partnership has been fully considered. Budget 2007 provides $25 million over the next five years for a new federal office that will help execute public-private partnership projects."

2. HARPER'S BUDGET PROMOTES THE ENVIRONMENTALLY DESTRUCTIVE TAR SANDS.
The budget states, "Budget 2007...(puts) in place a Major Projects Management Office...The Office will...serve as the focal point for developing legislative and administrative options to further consolidate and streamline regulatory processes. Budget 2007 also provides funding to increase staff in key regulatory departments and agencies to reduce project review times. Taken together, these measures will cut in half the average regulatory review period for large natural resource projects, from four years to about two years. Budget 2007 provides $60 million over two years in support of these actions."

It also states, "As a result of labour shortages in certain sectors and regions of the country, e.g. in the Alberta oil sands...the (Temporary Foreign Worker) program has become increasingly important for businesses in their efforts to remain competitive in Canada's booming economy. Budget 2007 proposes a series of improvements to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program designed to reduce processing delays and more effectively respond to regional labour and skill shortages...Budget 2007 provide $50.5 million over the next two years to support these improvements."

3. HARPER'S BUDGET PROMOTES THE UNPOPULAR TILMA.
Chapter 5 of Budget 2007 states that, "Budget 2007 takes action on creating an Entrepreneurial Advantage in Canada by...Committing to work with interested provinces/territories to examine how the Alberta-British Columbia Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement could be applied more broadly. This will help build our economic union and promote the free flow of people and goods within Canada."

Then a bit further down: "This agreement, the most comprehensive of its type in Canadian history, has created significant momentum. The federal government is committed to building on this momentum and will work with interested provinces and territories to examine how the TILMA provisions could be applied more broadly to reduce interprovincial barriers to trade and labour mobility across the country."

4. HARPER'S BUDGET PROMOTES EVEN CLOSER TIES WITH THE UNITED STATES.
The budget states, "...developing a more comprehensive trade and investment relationship with our closest trading partner, the United States, is key to the success of Canadian business. For more than 60 years, we have been able to rely on our trade relationship with the world's largest, most dynamic economy. We continue to benefit from this relationship, yet we must recognize that new players are challenging us in our traditional market. The Global Commerce Strategy will address this challenge by reinforcing our U.S. presence and implementing new initiatives such as the direct engagement of private sector experts in order to connect Canadian companies with new opportunities and attract investment."

Rather than receiving "a post-budget bounce" in popularity, the Harper government should be bounced from office.

Brent Patterson
Director of Organizing
The Council of Canadians
700-170 Laurier Avenue West
Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5V5
1-800-387-7177 ext. 291
bpatterson@canadians.org

www.canadians.org