Back in session

News — 08 June 2011

With a new majority government, the Conservative Party have put forward their federal budget for the second time in three months.

“We are very pleased to table the budget that we had proposed in March 2011, that has some ongoing measures for some restraint, keeping tax low, extending tax credits in a variety of areas, assistance for seniors, and working families. Also the volunteer firefighter tax credit and a renewed commitment to FedNor with an increase of $4 million over the next couple of years,” said MP Greg Rickford for the Kenora-Rainy River Riding.

“We’re very encouraged by the revampment of FedNor,” said Rickford. “We just want to continue to ensure that FedNor is a strong program that has a renewed focus on economic stimulus particularly with emphasis on job creation.”

Rickford says the only big change from the March 2011 budget is the phasing out of per-vote subsidy.

“This was something that was a key part of our platform, and is something that will challenge all parties to reinvigorate their own internal fundraising measures. That will remove that burden from the taxpayer who effectively is paying taxes and a portion of that are going to support a party that they may not personally support.”

Many in the region are keeping their eyes on the issue of the long-gun registry, and awaiting to see the abolishment of the law.

“We’re very hopeful, although I can’t make a promise right now, that the legislation will be tabled at least before the House rises. There is a lot of work to do in the next two and a half weeks. I’m just happy to be back down here protecting and making sure that the Kenora riding has a strong voice and this issue is brought to the forefront,” said Rickford.

With all the controversy the first budget saw, with the minority government brought down, Rickford said “I think that in fairness, part of the controversy were the circumstances more than the budget itself. In a minority government situation, as a technical point, a lot of the controversy had more to do with how to bring our government down without having to vote against the budget, because there were a number of things in the budget that certainly met the demands of the NDP at the time.”

Rickford says beyond FedNor, there are some great benefits for the northern part of the province including student debt assistance, and incentives for doctors and nurses to come and work in northwestern Ontario.

Rickford says the Conservative government will continue to support the Green Pulp and Paper Transformation Program with another $60 million nationally in the 2011 budget, to continue to support forestry companies to innovate and tap into new opportunities abroad, looking beyond traditional markets in the United States.

By Ally Dunham

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