Harper Government Delivers for Ordinary Canadians: Four New Reasons to Celebrate Canada Day

June 28, 2006

Claresholm – Ted Menzies, Member of Parliament for Macleod and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Cooperation today commended Canada’s new government for giving ordinary Canadians four new reasons to celebrate on July 1st.

“Starting on July 1st, Canadians will see one of the largest tax cuts in the country’s history when the GST drops from seven percent to six percent,” Menzies said. “This means more money in the pockets of every Canadian, and that’s something worth celebrating.”

On July 1st, parents of children under the age of six will also begin receiving the Universal Childcare Benefit ─ $1,200 per year for each child under six ─ to help with the cost of child care.

“After just a few weeks in office, Prime Minister Stephen Harper did what the Liberals could not do in 13 years. He delivered a plan that encourages choice in childcare by sending $1,200 per year for each child under six directly to parents, moving forward with a real plan to create new child care spaces.”

On July 1st, Canadian workers can also apply for the Canada Employment Credit, a program which provides additional tax relief for workers.

“It was a Stephen Harper campaign commitment, and now it’s a reality,” Menzies said. The Canada Employment Credit comes into effect starting July 1st to lower taxes for all working Canadians and help them cover the costs of work related expenses such as uniforms and home computers. More of your hard-earned money in your pocket instead of the government’s pocket is always a reason to celebrate!”

Finally, Canada Day marks the beginning of a new and comprehensive plan to reduce greenhouse gases, improve the quality of the air we breathe, reduce traffic congestion, and save money.

“Starting on July 1st, Canada’s new government will provide a non-refundable tax credit on the cost of transit passes,” Menzies stated. “As a result, transit users who spend $80 per month on transit passes could save up to $75 this year and up to $150 next year – yet another reason to celebrate.”

“A cut to the GST, $1,200 per year in direct child care support, relief for working Canadians and tax breaks to reduce air pollution and encourage transit use – four reasons to celebrate July 1st 2006,” said Menzies.

“And if I can add just one more reason to the list: Canadians, for the first time in a long time, can celebrate the fact that we now live in a country that is governed by a Prime Minister who keeps his promises.”

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For further information, please contact:

The office of Ted Menzies at (613) 995-8471