On Parliament Hill

Over the past week there has been much discussion surrounding the Federal Budget brought forward by Finance Minister Joe Oliver. Topics such as the balanced budget, support for small businesses, increased limits for TFSA contributions, help for farmers and additional support for families have all been discussed in the media and around kitchen tables across Canada.

This week however, I’d like to highlight some other measures that may not have received quite as much attention but are just as important.

Extending Compassionate Care Benefits

Caring for a severely ill loved one is a very challenging experience. It sometimes challenges the job security of a worker who cares for a loved one, and the financial security of their families.

Through the Employment Insurance program, Compassionate Care Benefits exist to help those who need to take time away from work to care for someone they love.

To provide more help, when it is most needed, our Conservative Government is extending the maximum length of Compassionate Care Benefits from six weeks to six months.

Through Economic Action Plan 2015, our Government is helping ensure Canadians have the help they need in going through challenging times.

Supporting Seniors – Enhancing the Flexibility of Registered Retirement Income Funds.

Canada’s seniors have spent their lives building a better more prosperous Canada, and our Conservative Government is committed to supporting a secure and dignified retirement. That’s why Economic Action Plan 2015 reduces the minimum withdrawal requirements for Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIF).

This will allow seniors to keep more of their retirement savings in their RRIFs, so that they can continue to accumulate on a tax-deferred basis and better support their retirement income needs.

Our Government already increased the age limit for converting Registered Retirement Savings Plans to RRIFs to the age of 71, and this new change will provide seniors even more flexibility in managing their retirement income.

This builds on other significant measures we have taken to help seniors make ends meet including introducing pension income splitting and the largest increase to the Guaranteed Income Supplement in over 25 years. Our Conservative Government is focused on giving Canada’s seniors the support they deserve.

Helping Seniors and Persons with Disabilities Live Healthy, Independent Lives

Seniors and persons with disabilities often face unique challenges in living safely and independently in the comfort of their home. That’s why Economic Action Plan 2015 introduces a new Home Accessibility Tax Credit.

This new tax credit will provide up to $1,500 in tax relief on up to $10,000 of eligible home renovation expenses that improve the safety, access, and functionality of a home.

These expenses can include costs associated with purchasing and installing wheel chair ramps, walk-in bathtubs, grab bars, and more. By offsetting the cost of these home improvements, seniors and persons with disabilities can live healthier, more independent lives.

Supporting Charity

Canadians are a generous people and statistics suggest that Southeast Manitobans are among the most generous in the nation. In recognition of our citizens’ generosity, our Conservative Government has taken several steps to make it even easier to donate to charity.

Economic Action Plan 2015 includes new measures such as exempting donations of private shares or real estate from capital gains taxes, for donations after 2016. We’re also making it easier for charities to diversify their investments by investing in limited partnerships, supporting their long-term ability to carry out their charitable purposes. It also helps them use innovative approaches to address social and economic needs in Canada through such partnerships.

Our Government also created the First-Time Donor’s Super Credit, to encourage new donors – especially young Canadians. This measure is in effect for donations made before 2018, so there’s still time to take advantage!

We are proud to support the generosity of Canadians.

Helping Families with the Cost of Education

Students and their families recognize the many benefits of a college or university education.

Our Government is helping young Canadians achieve these benefits, while making it easier for students and their families to afford the costs associated with schooling.

We’re helping the many students who work to cover as much as possible of the costs of tuition and housing, by making it easier to retain eligibility for Canada Student Loans.

And, we’re making the loans work better for families, by reducing the expected parental contribution when assessing student need, to better recognize the financial realities faced by Canadian families.

Our Conservative Government is making it easier to get an education, supporting students and promoting jobs and economic growth.