On Parliament Hill

According to a recent article by MacLean’s Magazine, Steinbach is the most generous city in Canada. The article states that according to Statistics Canada, of all the cities across Canada, the people of Steinbach donate the most to charity. Although the article is focused on comparing Canadian cities, smaller communities across Southeastern Manitoba are right at the top of the list as well.

This should come as no surprise. Here in Provencher we believe in the importance of building our communities and then giving back and helping those in need.

I am incredibly proud that we have been recognized with such a prestigious honour and I believe that governments should allow for Canadians to keep more of their hard earned money so that they can choose which charities they wish to support. Earlier this fall our Conservative Government introduced a number of tax breaks for hard working Canadian families to do just that.

As Canadians, we know that February brings two things: cold weather and tax season. While the groundhogs are still debating spring’s arrival, I can guarantee that tax season will be a lot easier for families this year.

In October, Prime Minister Harper introduced the Family Tax Plan, which will provide benefits to 4 million Canadian families this year. Low and middle-income families will receive two-thirds of the overall benefits provided by this package.

Here’s four ways our Government is helping hardworking Canadians this tax season:

*First, the new Family Tax Cut. This measure is aimed at couples with children under the age of 18, where one spouse is in a higher income tax bracket than the other. The Family Tax Cut can lower a family’s overall tax bill, providing tax relief of up to a maximum of $2,000.

*Second, we have enhanced the Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB). Our Government is increasing the UCCB for children under age six. As of January 1, 2015, parents will receive a benefit of $160 per month for each child under the age of six – up from $100 per month. Parents will now receive $1,920 per child, per year. We are also expanding the UCCB to children aged six through 17. As of January 1, 2015, parents will receive a benefit of $60 per month for children aged six through 17. Parents will receive $720 per child, per year.

*Next, we are increasing the Child Care Expense Deduction dollar limits by $1,000 for the 2015 tax year. You or your spouse may be able to claim a deduction for expenses incurred for someone to look after your child so that one of you can work or go to school.

*Lastly, we have doubled the Children’s Fitness Tax Credit from $500 to $1,000 per child, starting in the 2014 tax year.

Unlike the Liberals who would take these new benefits away, and the NDP who want to impose national child care on parents, our Conservative Government is the only party who believes parents are the ones who know what is best for their children.

Conservatives are delivering real results to hard-working Canadians. As our Prime Minister has said, our Government is fulfilling our promise to balance the federal budget. We are now in a position to fulfill our promise to help Canadian families balance theirs, and in turn, you are reaching out to help those in need in your communities. Southeastern Manitoba, YOU are demonstrating what “community” is all about.