FACTBOX: Key provisions of Canada coalition agreement

Mon Dec 1, 2008 6:45pm EST
 
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(Reuters) - Following are key provisions of an agreement signed on Monday by Canada's three opposition parties to form a coalition which they hope would displace the minority Conservative government.

HOW THE COALITION WOULD WORK

- The Liberals and New Democratic Party would adhere to the agreement through mid-2011 and the separatist Bloc Quebecois would adhere to it through mid-2010 unless renewed

- During this time, none of the parties will support any non-confidence motions and they will support the government position on financial matters and on the overall policy direction laid out in the Speech from the Throne

- Only the Liberals and the New Democrats would have ministers (18 and six, respectively), but the Bloc says it would help build the budget speech and the throne speech

- Liberal leader Stephane Dion would be prime minister until a new leader for his party is chosen in May

FISCAL PRINCIPLES

- Stimulus would be provided over the next two years, with budget deficits likely

- A return to budget surpluses within four years

ECONOMIC STIMULUS

- Accelerate infrastructure funding and make substantial new investments

- Spend on housing construction and retrofitting

- Invest in key sectors, including manufacturing, forestry and automotive, with any aid contingent on a plan to return these industries to profitability

OTHER FINANCIAL MEASURES

- Cut the minimum required withdrawal from retirement funds by 50 percent, for 2008

- Reform bankruptcy and insolvency laws to better protect pensions  Continued...

 
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