Georgina · East Gwillimbury · King  .
 
Bradford West Gwillimbury · Innisfil  .

Last weekend, as I attended a dozen community events in the riding, I heard a united message from everyone.  NO FALL ELECTION!

I agree.  In fact, I can't say it any better than the many who told me their concerns.  "The economy is beginning to recover in tough times.  We can't risk that."  I heard similar phrases again and again.

You are right.  We are in the worst global economic downturn in my lifetime. While Canada is doing better than most countries, including the USA, we have real challenges.

This month we've seen positive job numbers, economic growth, rising retail sales and more housing starts. But it is tentative, and could be set back easily.

We need the Government to stay focused on Canada's Economic Action Plan and see it through. Canada can come out of this even better than before - but an election can derail this recovery.

So why does Michael Ignatieff suddenly want an election? Most of you tell me, it's just because he wants power. But polls show he can't win now.

However, we do know that Ignatieff said he was willing to form a co-alition with the Bloc Quebecois and NDP. He signed a letter asking the Governor-General to allow a co-alition government. An early election would give him that chance - as long as the Conservatives fall short of a majority.

If we do have an unnecessary early fall election, it will be my fourth, in just over five years. It hasn't even been a year since the last election!

The cost is unjustifiable.  Over $300 million.  When we can afford it least.

An unnecessary early election will also have a bad impact on legislation. A dozen bills that seek to tackle crime will die on the order paper. The Liberal Party has never liked our tough-on-crime agenda. An early election is one way Ignatieff can put a stop to our Government's crime-fighting proposals.

Many economic recovery measures, like the Home Renovation Tax Credit, will be put in jeopardy by an election.

I hope the Liberal Party will listen to the same people who are telling me they don't want an election - Canadians.

But if the Liberals go ahead with their threats, and force that election, you may find me campaigning, and asking for your vote again!  Sorry to disturb you, but Ignatieff made me do it!

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