New Finance boss is with Harper on income splitting promise

OTTAWA – Newly minted federal Finance Minister Joe Oliver says the Harper government will keep its campaign promise on income splitting.

But Oliver says he wants time to study the issue before announcing details of how it might work.

Oliver was sworn in as minister this morning, replacing Jim Flaherty, who resigned Tuesday.

Oliver says his first priority is to work on improving economic conditions for job growth.

Flaherty had questioned whether income splitting was a good idea, causing a rift in the Conservative caucus.

But late last month, Prime Minister Stephen Harper reaffirmed his support for the policy, saying it would be a welcome break for families.