OTTAWA: It’s a lite light on plot and character development but it’s been a long time since a book landed in the Capital with such fanfare.

The liberal Policy book which prime Minister Jean Chretien waves with such regularity it appears fused to his wrist is known unofficially here 28 the red book.

Officially is called Creating Opportunity: The Liberal Plan for Canada and Chretien has vowed time and gain that the promises in his bible will be implemented.

He’s already cancelled the helicopter purchase and proclaimed a North America Free Trade agreement that Rater resembles what he promises in the book.

His infrastructure Program appears ready to move full speed ahead.

But there’s more and that means Canadians can look forward to:

A replacement of the goods and services tax with a system that generates equivalent revenue is fairer to consumers and to small business.

A Canadian Apprenticeship Program in partnership with the provinces the private sector and labor which will focus on giving young Canadians training in sectors in which demand is expected.

Establishment of the Canadian Youth Service Corps that will give Canadians under 25 the opportunity to enroll in programs in their communities instead of Ring on welfare

Establishment of a national day-care program but with conditions for every year following a three percent economic growth the party will create 50000 child-care Spaces up to a total of 150,000.

A reduction of the federal deficit to three per cent of gross domestic product from 5.2% although Finance Minister Paul Martin has already announced the federal deficits far beyond what his government had expected.

A $14 billion reduction in defence Spending pending a year-long review of defence policy beginning in the New Year

A-15% reduction in the $4.1 billion government budget for consulting and professional services and cleaning up the lobbying industry in the Capital.

Ottawa pressuring Canada’s banks to provide more operating funding and loans to small and medium-sized business

Establishment with the Private sector of the Canada Investment Fund which would funnel startup money to small business in such areas as medical research and environmental technology .

Article extracted from this publication >> January 14, 1994