Only the Conservative party can deliver the change of government that Canadians demand

December 15, 2005

VANCOUVER – Conservative Party leader Stephen Harper delivered his message of hope and change tonight during the French-language federal election debate, clearly giving Quebecers an alternative to the corrupt Liberal party and the separatist Bloc.

“Canadians have grown tired of a Liberal government that has no new ideas and that is mired in corruption. Canadians want a government that is focussed on real issues that matter to real Canadians – cutting the GST, cracking down on crime, and cleaning up government,” said Harper. “Canadians want a government that understands families are working longer, paying more in tax, and finding it harder to save.”

Stephen Harper was the only leader to lay out a specific plan to end corruption and the influence of big money in Ottawa, while cracking down on a lobbying culture that has thrived under Paul Martin. Harper exposed Martin’s hypocrisy on taxes, and highlighted the Conservative plan to cut taxes for all Canadians by reducing the GST. He criticised the Liberals for running a stagnant campaign that has offered nothing new or positive.

“The Conservative Party is the only party that will clean up government, cut the GST, and crack down on crime. On January 23rd, Canada faces a clear choice. A choice between stagnation and vision, between old and new, between entitlement and accountability, between benefits for some Canadians and benefits for all Canadians,” added Harper. “Only the Conservative party can deliver the change of government that is needed to bring political accountability to Ottawa.”

Commenting on the Bloc, Harper said the separatist party is a powerless spectator in the effort to end corruption. “The Bloc was there for 12 years but they couldn’t stop the corruption then and they can’t now because they can never form a government.”

Standing between a separatist, the leader of a corrupt national party, and a trendy downtown socialist, Stephen Harper demonstrated that he is the best voice for everyday Canadians.

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