Economy shrinks and middle class jobs harder to come by under Conservatives

Weak GDP numbers another sign Stephen Harper’s Conservative plan isn’t working

While too many Canadian families struggle to make ends meet and household debt rises to record levels, the Canadian economy shrank for the fourth month in a row, according to new economic numbers released today.

Today’s disappointing GDP numbers are the latest sign that the Conservatives economic plan is taking Canada in the wrong direction. The economy just isn’t working for middle class families,” said Nathan Cullen, NDP Official Opposition finance critic. “Conservatives have failed to build a balanced economy, failed to create and protect good jobs and failed to foster growth.”

Conservative layoffs and radical budget cuts to programs and services have only made things worse. Last year, the Parliamentary Budget Officer projected that Conservative budget cuts would shave 0.5% off Canada’s GDP and cost our economy more than 46,000 jobs by 2016.

“Families are working harder than ever to build a good life but can’t get ahead,” said Cullen. “In contrast, Tom Mulcair and the NDP’s plan will kick-start manufacturing, help small business and invest in strong community infrastructure – creating good, skilled job opportunities in our communities.”