An elected Liberal government would create a $250-million program that would help modernize Canada's fishing industry, Liberal Leader Stephane Dion said Monday.
Dion, speaking in St. John's, N.L., said his party's Green Fisheries and Transport Fund would offer rebates and incentives for fishers to invest in technologies that will reduce fuel consumption and modernize fishing vessels.
The Liberal plan would invest in the science, surveillance, conservation and protection of fish stocks, said Dion.
"We will promote stock recovery by developing a protected area for species at risk in both international and domestic waters," he said.
Additionally, Dion promised $100 million for small-craft harbours.
Meanwhile, Dion took shots at Conservative Leader Stephen Harper, who has also been the focus of angry rhetoric from N.L. Premier Danny Williams.
Last week, Williams launched a campaign he dubbed A.B.C. -- Anyone But Conservative.
"He (Harper) still does not understand what the fisheries industry has understood for a long time: that we need to build a stronger, greener, more sustainable economy," said Dion.
Later in the day he took aim at Harper on his economic performance.
"Stephen Harper has allowed what was a booming economy to hit a brick wall," Dion said.
"Stephen Harper governs for the next day, the next poll. He wants to buy your vote with gimmicks for the next election."
Dion touted his "Green Shift" carbon tax plan as a solution that would create environmentally sustainable jobs and reduce Canada's oil dependency.
Canada's economy has basically stalled since last November, but Harper has maintained this country's economy is in much better shape than that of the U.S.
CTV's Craig Oliver, travelling with Dion, said Dion's daily message is getting bogged down by constant questions about the Liberals' Green Shift plan.
"The problem is he has an extensive environmental program he wants to take into this campaign but every time he talks environment everybody wants to hear about the... tax," said Oliver.
Layton targets Harper
In Halifax, NDP Leader Jack Layton said Harper was the "wrong leader on health care."
"Your family deserves a prime minister who will take health care seriously, and put you and your family first," he said.
Layton outlined a plan to address the fact that five million Canadians don't have access to a family doctor.
Layton said the New Democrats will commit about $200 million a year to phase in the following goals:
- A 50 per cent increase in the number of doctors being trained (1,200 additional a year).
- A 50 per cent increase in the number of nurses being trained (6,000 additional).
- Forgiving student loans for graduating health care professionals who commit the first ten years of their practice to family medicine.
- Working with the provinces and territories to finally fix Canada's foreign credentials system.
Harper is in Ottawa today where he is expected to make a platform announcement before heading to London, Ont.
Green Leader Elizabeth May is in Pictou County, N.S., riding where she's challenging Conservative candidate Peter MacKay.
With files from The Canadian Press
