This budget reinforces and builds on our plan for a strong economy and a secure society for all Canadians. For the first time in almost fifty years, we have two consecutive years of balanced books. What s more, we re committed to continuing to run this country deficit-free. Thanks to the soundness of our economy, we re seeing job growth and declining unemployment. In fact, in January, our unemployment rate fell to 7.8 per cent, its lowest level in almost nine years.
Interest rates are at thirty-year lows.
Both the International Monetary Fund and the OECD are predicting that in 1999 Canada will be among the top economic performers of the G-7. By working together. That s how. Eliminating the deficit required sacrifice from all Canadians, regardless of where they live or what they do. Together we put Canada s fiscal house back in order.