Arnold Backs O’Toole; Expects More Debt,Taxes In Budget

The new federal budget will be announced this afternoon in Ottawa.

Local Conservative MP Mel Arnold isn’t sure what to expect.

He says most of the details have been kept under wraps.

“From what we’ve heard it will be a non-controversial budget. They are going to carry on with what they claim to be is their plan for long term investment, but we haven’t seen any return on that so far.”

Insiders say skills and training will be prominent features.

The opposition Tories are warning it will include more debt and higher taxes for Canadians.

“Increased taxes again, that is a signature of this government on public transit, stock options, capital gains, it seems it just never ends.”

Arnold says Canada needs to remain competitive with the US, which means cutting business taxes.

“Making it attractive for businesses to invest here. We don’t want to see any more Canadian companies moving their jobs south of the border just because of competitive tax rates down there.”

Meanwhile, Arnold has made his choice for next leader of the federal Conservatives.

The North Okanagan-Shuswap MP says he is supporting Ontario MP Erin O’Toole.

“Erin is a great potential leader for Canada. He has that well rounded background of military service, a law degree, he’s worked with large business, small business and he connects well with people.”

Arnold says he’ll be voting for O’Toole, even though he admits the Ontario MP is not the first choice of many.

“Some of the candidates they are heavily weighted to one belief or another and may not garner a lot of second choice votes. That’s where I think Erin really has the advantage. He really can appeal to the broad masses.”

O’Toole is one of 14 leadership candidates.

The winner will be chosen by party members May 27th.