Elgin-Middlesex-London can look forward to billions of infrastructure dollars slated for the municipalities as part of the Federal government's 2009 budget.

Everyone agrees something needs to be done to turn the economy around, and the budget includes a $35-billion stimulus package with tax breaks, cash support and incentives for taxpayers and various industries.

“Each of the municipalities in my riding have put forward requests through the communities fund or the building Canada fund. We don't know yet which ones have been accepted and which ones have not. It's an ongoing project and we've front-end loaded it with billions of dollars so we know the money's available for projects out there. The ones the municipalities are ready to go on, we're ready,” said MP Joe Preston. “I think it's a good stimulus situation. It's got the right things in it to make Southern Ontario start ticking a little bit”

Although, a $64 billion deficit is projected over two years, including $34 billion in 2009-2010. The stimulus package is valued at about $21 billion for one year. Preston said that the last two months have been spent gathering input from citizens, business groups, and employment groups, and this budget includes most of what they wanted.

“We think we've put the right budget forward for the Canadian people and we hope they see it that way,” he said. “There's also some money in here for seniors' housing and in West Elgin we've already completed a couple of seniors housing units, but we've got more money ready to go for communities that need it.”

Some Liberal critics argue that tax breaks are ineffective as a stimulus tool. Preston expressed that a person's views on that change depending on whether or not you're the one reaping the benefit.

“I've been told by many of my constituents that cutting two points off the GST in the past was not worth much, but I've had people tell me 'Well, it's leaving money in my pocket so it's the right thing to do,” said Preston. “The question here is: what do you do for people who are working? Specifically, at the lower income end. We've lowered the personal exemption; we've put some more money back in their pockets. Those that are working, we've given them great Home Renovation tax credit in this budget. It won't be for people who aren't working, but for those who are it gives them a chance to renovate their homes and buy new homes.”

Preston said that the budget includes $500 million for regional agriculture and another $500 million towards safe-slaughter in the livestock business. He said that the automotive and manufacturing industries need to be protected as a major source of employment in Ontario.

“The thing that excites me most about this is we've established the southwestern Ontario Economic Development Agency. For the first time ever, southwestern Ontario, which did not have an economic development agency like every other area of Canada, now has one. And it's funded soundly at a billion dollars over five years. We've got lots of room here to move,” said Preston.

Preston thinks that some of the economic recovery can be found in the tourism industry, since Ontario is “a lovely place to visit.”

“We want people to not leave money under the mattress. You've got to get out and spend it. The United States needs to follow suit,” he said.