Stephen Leahy, Green

We live in a world with limited resources but our economic system is an endless growth machine where profits are enhanced by not paying the real costs of environmental destruction. Continuing this way will destroy our society and the environment we depend on. And it is an economic system that is not working for most Canadians. Sure we have more stuff than ever before but this system is diminishing our quality of life. We have so little time for ourselves and our families. We worry about the safety of our food, the quality of our health care and the health of our communities.

Despite this obvious reality the Conservatives continue to promote "business as usual." That's like refusing to change direction even though we are fast approaching the edge of a cliff.

Rather than leading us into future disaster the Green Party will adjust our present economic system so that it is profitable to save and conserve natural resources and expensive to pollute and destroy. This is what five of the most successful European economies have done in the past 10 years. Countries like Sweden and Denmark have already developed prosperous low-carbon economies and enjoy a lifestyle that is second to none.

To survive and prosper in the future Durham and Canada needs to shift to a new green economy. This is the single biggest opportunity in human history. It is astonishing previous governments have not embraced it.

To make this shift the Green Party would use policies and regulations to ensure our vehicle manufacturers produce highly fuel-efficient vehicles. We would reinvest in railroads and transit. We would support family farms so they can provide food for their local communities.

Community economic development and investments in clean, green technologies and services is where Durham and Canada needs to go. Vote for Tomorrow. Vote Green.

Bryan Ransom, Liberal

Two years ago Scott Brison correctly updated a famous quote when he quipped, "It's the green economy, stupid!"

We know that has never been more accurate then it is today. Without a healthy environment, sustainable practices and green technology our economy will continue to stagger. In turn, if we don't change the way we manufacture and do business our environment will continue to suffer. There needs to be a balance and that is what we are offering.

The Green Shift will move the tax emphasis to what we want less of -- emissions and waste. It will provide tax cuts and reductions while investing in what we want more of -- innovation and green technology.

More specifically, our plan will provide a corporate tax cut lowering the current rate to 14 per cent and increasing the research and development credit to 25 per cent. Small business and entrepreneurs will receive an additional 1 per cent cut. This will make our corporate tax rates among the most competitive in the world.

Farmers will have access to a $250-million Green Farm Fund to provide rebates for investing in green technology and research. Each rural Canadian will also receive a guaranteed $100 credit to offset fuel costs.

It is important to remember that, for the first time in 50 years, we are running a negative growth production. Furthermore, we are on the brink of running a deficit and Canada is now last in economic performance in the G8.

It is time to return to the proven, fiscal prudence of the Liberal Party of Canada.

Andrew McKeever, NDP

The people of Durham are faced with a choice in this election. Durham can chose Harper's $50-billion corporate tax giveaways or Jack Layton's plan for more doctors. You can choose between Harper's giveaways or our plan for jobs and training, between looking after the banks or looking after bank customers.

Our economic policies are designed to save existing jobs and create new ones; protect consumers from unfair fees and price gouging and to tackle the wage gap.

We will create a $750 million/year Green Collar Jobs Fund to train workers and support the transition from jobs in older high-polluting industries to newer and cleaner ones. We will appoint a Job Protection Commissioner to investigate large shutdowns and layoffs. We will invest in the Canadian production of low-emissions vehicles, to keep our automobile industry competitive.

As part of our job-protection initiatives we will stand up against our jobs being exported. We will invest in community infrastructure by improving or creating transit, affordable housing, roads and highways.

Minimum wage will be increased to $10 per hour and then indexed to inflation. We will act on the crucial issues of work/life balance by tackling non-standard employment relationships like part-time, contract and temporary work and variable schedules.

We will protect consumers. We will cap credit-card interest rates at five per cent above prime and work to limit outrageous bank fees. We will monitor and regulate gas prices to prevent gouging. Don't let them tell you it can't be done.

Bev Oda, Conservative

Canadians are concerned as the U.S. economic crisis unfolds, affecting countries around the world. Canada needs strong leadership that knows Canadians work hard, pay their taxes and are looking for stability and security. This is not a time for unfunded spending, untried program promises, higher taxes or more national debt. This is a time for responsible management of taxpayers' dollars.

Forecasting economic global pressures, last fall the government took steps to strengthen Canada's economic resiliency. Our plan for prudent budgeting, focused spending and lowering taxes is a proven plan. Last week, Canada reported a modest first quarter surplus, while the world's economy faced growing economic turmoil. Over the past 12 months, 80,000 new jobs were created, more jobs than had been lost. Job loss has an immense impact on families, so large and small businesses must remain profitable for job retention and investor confidence.

Strong businesses need lower taxes, a skilled labour force for the new economy, firm regulations in our financial sector and strong capitalization of our financial institutions. A strong competitive business sector means lower consumer prices, jobs, economic stability and investment opportunities for individuals and pension plans in the future.

This is particularly important in Durham, where our community continues to expand and our industries continue to evolve. It is important to Durham families who see the costs of everyday goods rising. We must ensure that our economic fundamentals remain sound and that Canada's fiscal policies are predictable for consumers, businesses and investors.