Statistics Canada announced that in real terms, retail sales declined 0.1% in
July – following a 0.4% increase in June. Most of the declines in July were due to lower gasoline prices. One bright spot is that sales at home building and outdoor supply stores increased 1% during July.
These figures remind us that the job is not over.
We must remain focused on the economy.
Our Economic Action Plan is working but these statistics show the recovery still remains tentative and fragile. We can’t risk our progress and our recovery on an election now – an election Canadians do not want and do not need.
In our Economic Action Plan, we reduced taxes and introduced measures such as the Home Renovation Tax Credit to stimulate consumer spending.
The increase in sales at home building and outdoor supply stores shows that Canadians are taking advantage of the recession-fighting Home Renovation Tax Credit.
Last week Michael Ignatieff voted against the Home Renovation Tax Credit and other tax measures that are crucial to helping Canadians cope with the effects of the global recession.
We’re concerned about fighting the recession. Michael Ignatieff wants to fight the recovery.
Michael Ignatieff is not in it for Canadians. He’s in it for himself.
