Join the New Democrat opposition

Yesterday, Stephen Harper’s government cobbled together a budget that fails to protect the vulnerable, fails to safeguard the jobs of today and fails to create the jobs of tomorrow.

Nevertheless, Stephen Harper is going to remain in office. Because Michael Ignatieff has decided to keep him there.

This is the first important public decision Mr. Ignatieff has made in his life. And what he decided to do is stick with Mr. Dion's unfortunate habit of voting for Stephen Harper.

What you and I learned today is that we can't rely on Mr. Ignatieff to oppose Mr. Harper.

And that’s why I’m asking you now to join the growing movement of everyday Canadians who are ready to stand up to Stephen Harper. That’s why I’m asking you to join the New Democrat Opposition today.

Michael Ignatieff made it clear that he would not support this budget unless it protected the most vulnerable, unless it protected today’s jobs and created jobs for tomorrow. It’s very clear that Stephen Harper’s budget fails all of these tests.

And yet Mr. Ignatieff is going to vote yes to this Conservative budget anyway.

That’s why I’m asking you to join me in letting Michael Ignatieff know - he can't do that, and pretend to be the alternative to Stephen Harper.

I know you’ve lost confidence in Stephen Harper and you want to replace him. By working together, we can make this happen.

I want you to know that you can always count on me to fight for you and your family, between elections as well as during them, each and every day.

Please join me in the New Democrat Opposition right now.

Thank you,
Jack Layton

How Harper’s budget fails

• $60 in corporate tax giveaways for every dollar to unemployed workers
• Not one single additional unemployed worker eligible for E.I.
• Attacks pay equity for women
• Fails on social housing
• Fails to create childcare spaces
• Post-secondary education less accessible
• Infrastructure program requires matching funds from provincial and municipal governments – even if they’re broke