This is the strategy that was first set out by the Prime Minister in Qu bec City on September 18, 1994. It was outlined in the 1994 document entitled A New Framework for Economic Policy and it is the strategy behind the actions in each of the last five budgets and again in the 1999 budget . The strategy acts on three fronts. Strong economic growth and a reduced debt burden better enable the government to make key investments and provide tax relief. Investing in Key Economic and Social Priorities n Investments in health care, in access to knowledge and skills training and in other important areas improve Canadians' quality of life and ability to work.
Lower taxes mean higher disposable income and therefore increased living standards.
Lower taxes also provide increased rewards for work, saving and investment . All three elements of this plan work together to improve Canadians' standard of living and quality of life. Maintaining Sound Economic and Financial Management Canada's economic fundamentals are strong and have helped it weather the recent global economic turbulence. Interest rates remain low, despite the volatility in financial markets caused by the fallout from the Asian crisis. Employment has soared, gaining 453,000 jobs in 1998 on the heels of the already impressive gain of 368,000 jobs in 1997.