HUNTER RIVER - Malpeque MP Wayne Easter was pleased with the announcement made this week by Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff with specific proposals for job creation.

“This recession,” said Easter, “has taken a serious toll in terms of job losses and the Conservative government has failed to address the necessity of bringing forward serious policies to strengthen the recovery. Michael Ignatieff has taken that initiative and presented proposals which will be of direct benefit to employers and job seekers on Prince Edward Island and across the country.”

The proposals are:

1. Support for Manufacturers – Boost job-creating productivity and competitiveness through a cash advance on the Accelerated Capital Cost Allowance (ACCA) to help manufacturers purchase new equipment.

2. Jobs for Young Canadians – Reduce the worst youth unemployment in a generation by introducing a temporary financial incentive to hire young Canadians; and

3. Encouraging Investment in Start-Up Companies – Create new jobs by introducing additional tax incentives for Canadians who invest in Canadian entrepreneurs and start-up companies in emerging sectors such as clean energy and life sciences.

Easter concluded, “With Parliament being prorogued the opportunity to challenge the Government on its budget intentions are not available. What we need on Prince Edward Island is a blueprint for the future and Michael Ignatieff is providing this in terms of the jobs issue.”