June 06, 2011
Conservative Majority Follows Through On Election Promises
Benoit explains that Budget 2011 contains the same main priorities as it did when the Finance Minister first tabled it in March – just before the Opposition chose to force an unnecessary federal election.
Some key elements of the budget include:
· enhancing the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) – eligible low-income seniors will receive additional annual benefits of up to $600 for single seniors and $840 for couples – helping more than 680,000 seniors across Canada;
· creating additional Tax Credits to benefit both children and families – including a new Children’s Art Tax Credit (on up to $500 in eligible fees) and a New Family Caregiver Tax Credit (on an amount of $2,000 for caregivers of loved ones with infirmities, including for the first time spouses, common-law partners and minor children);
· a Volunteer Firefighters Tax Credit – tax relief for volunteer firefighters who bravely serve their communities;
· encouraging more medical professionals to practise in under-served rural and remote communities - by forgiving a part of the federal portions of Canada Student Loans for new doctors and nurses; and
· extending the ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes Program – helping families lower their heating and electricity bills by making their homes more energy efficient.
“It is great, but certainly not surprising, to see our government following through on promises made to Canadians,” said Benoit. “These initiatives are what Canadians voted for, and our Government is committed to making them happen. And, for all those who have been waiting to say good-bye to the wasteful and inefficient long gun registry, I am happy to report that its days are definitely numbered.”
