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Conservative Leader Stephen Harper says public servants in the national capital should not be worried if his party gets re-elected to govern in the Oct. 19 election.

However, he warned that reforms to sick leave and disability benefits will be designed to strengthen the system so it helps people who are “actually ill.”

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As well, he thinks most public servants “respond positively” to the Tories’ efforts to run the federal government “efficiently.”

Harper made the comments Sunday in response to a question at a campaign news conference held at a private manufacturing factory, where he warned supporters that Canadians could lose their jobs if either the Liberals or New Democrats gain power and raise taxes.

Harper was asked about how, as prime minister, he is the “boss” of the region’s single largest employer and that federal public servants are worried about their jobs, benefits and pensions.