March 3, 2010

Federal Budget Needs to Put Seniors and Working Families First

(Kamloops) With the House of Commons finally returning on March 3, New Democrat candidate Michael Crawford is calling on MP Cathy McLeod to support NDP proposals to lift seniors out of poverty and help families through tough times.

“Rather than giving massive tax giveaways to already profitable corporations Harper should set different priorities” said Crawford. “The NDP has concrete proposals to improve pensions for seniors and speed up the economic recovery so Canadians can get back to work.”

Crawford said Stephen Harper was wrong to shut down Parliament. “People in Kamloops Thompson Cariboo expect their government to get to work and help them through tough times,” he said. “People are appalled that the Conservatives shut down Parliament while so many Canadians are out of work, and so many seniors are living in poverty.”

Jack Layton and the New Democrats are calling on the government to revamp the stimulus plan with a focus on creating good-paying, full-time jobs. The party is also calling for an extension to the Home Renovation Tax Credit, with changes to encourage renovations that improve energy efficiency.

The party is also calling for a comprehensive package to provide retirement security for seniors, including enhanced CCP, improvements to the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), and amendments to bankruptcy laws to protect pensioners.

“With this new Parliament, Cathy McLeod has a choice,” said Crawford. “I urge her to reject the $6 billion corporate tax giveaway and use the money to help Canadians get back to work, and provide a better future for our seniors.”
retain power" said Crawford.