OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Jan. 24, 2011) - Today, the Honourable John Baird, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Member of Parliament for Ottawa West-Nepean, reiterated the number one focus of the Harper Government: the economy.

"While the Opposition parties are busy hosting tours of their war rooms and holding candidate training sessions, the Harper Government has been busy hosting economic consultations with all Canadians since last November," said Minister Baird. "From coast to coast to coast, we are listening to the budget priorities of all Canadians with more than 150 consultations presently underway."

Almost 460,000 more Canadians are working today than in July 2009 thanks to our Government's Economic Action Plan. As we enter the next phase of the Plan, the Government of Canada will continue to focus on protecting the financial security of hardworking Canadians and their families.

"I know that my constituents are concerned about the economy, their jobs, their retirement and the financial security of their family," said Minister Baird. "Canadians can rest assured that the Harper Government will continue to deliver the stability needed to support and protect the economic well-being and financial security of Canadian families and businesses."

Please visit http://www.actionplan.gc.ca to find out more about local economic consultations happening in your area, or visit http://www.fin.gc.ca/prebudget-prebudgetaire/1-eng.asp, to send your budget ideas to the Honourable Jim Flaherty, Canada's Finance Minister, directly.