Stephen Harper discusses the economy in Laval

Harper also used his visit to Laval to remind Canadians that close to half of budget allocations from 2006 to 2010 were allotted to fiscal reductions. "We (the Conservative Party) have regulated the fiscal disequilibrium in Quebec, we have lowered taxes and debt and have invested in the future," he said. He assured listeners that these measures are the key to a prosperous economy for numerous families and businesses.

The Conservative government has also made a permanent federal tax fund on gas. "That means $1.5 million a year for Laval from next year onwards," he said amid loud applause.

He assured that Canada holds the most enviable position amongst the G7 countries. He said he was proud of the increase in jobs by three quarters of a million and an unemployment rate that has reached 6%. "The lowest it's been since 1976," he said with enthusiasm.

He confided that the trust fund for community development had not been put in place to save businesses about to go bankrupt, but more to invest in early retirements, the recycling of professionals, the diversification of local economies and the amelioration of infrastructure.

In order to emphasize the good work of his government, Harper finished his speech by returning to the subject of the new tax free savings account. "This account will allow Canadians to save a larger part of their revenue, and they can take out their money at any time, without monetary loss," he said.

With the goal in mind of building support for his party in a territory that in the federal government counts three Bloc deputees and one Liberal, Stephen Harper affirmed that a vote for the CP in the next elections was the choice for a "strong Quebec."

"Contrary to Mr. Duceppe and Dion, we (the CP) do not believe in higher PST and a higher deficit," he said, and threw in a "Go Habs Go" to conclude his speech.