Students Advise Ted Menzies to “Keep the Penny!”

April 09, 2008

Ottawa – On April 7, the House of Commons Finance Committee passed a motion to study the future of the penny in Canada. The motion comes on the heels of a private member’s bill introduced in the House that would, if adopted, take the penny out of circulation.

Ted Menzies, Member of Parliament for Macleod says that he has heard from many of his constituents about this issue. He mentioned in particular the Claresholm Elementary School, grade three class who conducted a school-wide survey to see whether or not students were in favour of keeping the penny. The results of the class’ survey indicated that an overwhelming majority of Claresholm students wanted to keep the penny.

“I always appreciate getting feedback from my constituents,” said Mr. Menzies, “and it’s great to see that kids are becoming involved in the political process.”

In a letter presented to Mr. Menzies, the grade three class indicated that they believed that Canada should keep the penny because it is a 100 year-old tradition, it is a symbol of Canada and it is “small and cute.”

Mr. Menzies said that he largely agreed with the grade three class, and added “I don’t think I’m ready to give up my lucky pennies.”