In the wake of the announcement of the federal budget in Ottawa last week, Battlefords-Lloydminster MP Gerry Ritz has voiced support for the federal budget, dubbed Economic Action Plan 2015.
Ritz was in the House of Commons last Tuesday as Finance Minister Joe Oliver presented the Conservative budget, the last one before the expected federal election this fall.
In a news release from his office this week, Ritz said he believes the “action plan” will support jobs and growth in his riding.
“Under Conservative leadership, Canada has created over 1.2 million new jobs since the recession, however we continue to live in uncertain times and the global economy remains fragile,” said Ritz in his statement.
“That’s why in Economic Action Plan 2015 our government will continue to focus on creating more jobs, and growing the economy in Battlefords-Lloydminster and across the country.”
Measures cited in the news release includes a proposal to further reduce the small business tax down to nine per cent by 2019; lowering taxes and increasing benefits to families with children; increasing the tax-free savings account annual contribution limit to $10,000, effective for the 2015 taxation year; increasing the lifetime capital gains exemption for qualified farm and fishing property to $1 million; and reducing the minimum withdrawal factors for registered retirement income funds.
Also proposed was a new, permanent, non-refundable home accessibility tax credit for seniors and persons with disabilities.
Also announced was an increase to the National Defence budget by $11.8 billion over 10 years, as well as new funding against “violent extremism” and terrorism.
Ritz particularly touted record high federal transfer payments to the province of Saskatchewan for health care, education and social programs, in the amount of $1.5 billion.
“We are proud of our plan that is lowering taxes and providing benefits directly to families in Battlefords-Lloydminster for them to reinvest in the Canadian economy,” Ritz stated.
Not to be outdone, the Battlefords-Lloydminster Liberals sent out a release on the budget, claiming the government “fails to present a plan for jobs and growth that will benefit the residents of Battlefords-Lloydminster.”
In that release federal Liberal candidate Ray Fox blasted the budget, saying “Stephen Harper’s priority is a $2 billion tax break for the rich, and a doubling of the TFSA limit, which will be paid for by taking away tens of thousands of dollars in Old Age Security for seniors.
“Instead of strengthening those at the heart of our economy – middle class Canadians – the Conservatives have introduced unfair proposals that will benefit the rich on the backs of the middle class,” Fox stated.
Fox further accused the prime minister of failing to present a credible budget or plan. “What this riding needs – and what families want – are investments in infrastructure, post-secondary education, and skills and innovation that will produce real growth. Under the leadership of Justin Trudeau, Canada will have a better plan focused on helping those who need it the most.”
The federal NDP has also slammed the federal budget, accusing the government of spending billions on the “wealthiest few” in their news release on April 21. Federal leader Thomas Mulcair said, “Conservatives have missed their chance to make investments to create stable full-time jobs, actual child care spaces and affordable housing.
