Prominent Economist, Former Finance Minister Back Paul Dewar's Jobs Creation Strategy

OTTAWA - Only days before New Democrat leadership candidates debate their plans for Canada's economy, Paul Dewar's strategy for tackling the jobs deficit has received the backing of Mike McCracken, prominent Canadian economist, and Eugene Kostyra, former Manitoba Finance Minister and senior economic advisor to former Premier Gary Doer.
"I have read your Statement 'Creating Good Jobs and Training for the Jobs of Tomorrow'. I agree with the seven steps you lay out." said McCracken of Informetrica Limited, an economic research and information company which provides long-term economic forecasts. "Each step will add to direct jobs and also increase jobs among the suppliers to the various organizations undertaking increased investment. As well, the induced higher incomes of people will increase effective demand and create additional jobs throughout the economy."
"Paul's taking leadership on what really matters to Canadians and their families" said Eugene Kostyra. "He is proposing smart solutions that will create good jobs, strengthen our economy and make it more sustainable."
Dewar's plan to create jobs includes:

• The establishment of a permanent national infrastructure program to enhance important community infrastructure,
• Support for small and medium-sized businesses,
• Promotion of renewable energy and value-added industries, and
• Reinvigorated national training programs to provide young Canadians with new opportunities.

Dewar will crack down on off-shore tax havens. He has ruled out increases in sales taxes and he is saying no to Conservative austerity plans to undermine our public services.
"At a time when 1.3 million Canadians are unemployed and our economic growth is slowing down, Stephen Harper's only focus is on building prisons and cutting public services" said Dewar. "We can build a stronger and more caring Canada by taking smart, practical steps that grow our economy and create good jobs”.