I would first like to thank Moose Jaw City Council, the Government of Saskatchewan, and the citizens of Moose Jaw for believing in the Moose Jaw Multiplex project.  I’m so pleased that this project will be proceeding and I know that it will be a great addition to our community.

Increased infrastructure spending is one important way to ensure that Canada emerges quickly and strongly from the current global economic challenges we face.  Another way, and one I would like to address in today’s column, is to relieve the tax burden on our citizens.

With the April 30th tax-filing deadline just behind us, I feel that it is a good time to discuss the tax relief that has been brought in by our Conservative Government. 

As Conservatives, we believe that Canadians pay too much tax.  Since taking office, we have delivered a strong record of tax reductions.  As promised, we lowered the GST from 7% to 6% to 5%. We also introduced pension income splitting to allow senior couples to divide their pension income between them for greater tax savings.  In fact, the tax reductions and benefits introduced by our government benefit the average Canadian family by more than $3,500.

This coming year, as many families are coping with the challenges of the global economic downturn, we are taking further action on taxes through our Economic Action Plan.  Hardworking Canadians will keep even more of what they earn.  And, their tax savings will help stimulate our businesses and community through increased spending.

We have taken several new measures, including an increase to the basic personal amount.  Now, every Canadian can earn more before paying federal income tax.

We are delivering for Canada’s seniors. This year, we increased the Age Credit by another $1,000. This builds on a previous increase to the age credit and other actions that reduce the tax burden on our seniors.

And finally, we are taking action that benefits you and stimulates business in our community at the same time.  The Home Renovation Tax Credit provides a 15% tax credit on projects over $1,000 up to a maximum of $10,000. Qualifying upgrades (the amount between $1,000 and $10,000) can get you a tax credit of up to $1,350. Targeted action like this will provide a real boost to businesses and workers in communities like ours across Canada.

As a government, we feel that tax relief is one important component of re-energizing our country’s economy.  Along with increased infrastructure spending and improved access to credit for our small businesses, we are taking action to strengthen and stimulate the Canadian economy in the face of global challenges.