March 25, 1994 For Immediate Release
REFORM PROPOSES "TAXPAYER TEST" FOR SOCIAL PROGRAMS
The Reform Party MPs who sit on the House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources Development responded to the tabling of the Committee's Interim Report today by introducing a "Taxpayers' Test". "We want to give average citizens an opportunity to put the Government proposals to the test," said Garry Breitkreuz, MP for Yorkton-Melville and Reform's representative on the Steering Committee. "When we tried to introduce these fundamental principles into the report, we were told we were out-of-order so we decided to go direct to the people," he added.
The Interim Report tabled today was required by a motion introduced in the House of Commons by the Honourable Lloyd Axworthy, Minister of Human Resources Development on January 31, 1994. The Standing Committee was directed "to consult broadly, to analyze and to make recommendations regarding the modernization and restructuring of Canada's social security system."
Reformer's are concerned that the Standing Committee did not have time to fulfil it's mandate during the first phase. Grant Hill, MP for MacLeod commented, "Unfortunately, due to the tight deadlines many organizations did not have the time to prepare submissions and present them to the Committee. It is for this reason that we are not sure if the Committee's Interim Report really reflects the concerns and priorities of Canadians, as was specifically required by the motion passed in the House of Commons."
Dale Johnston, MP for Wetaskwin also expressed some concerns, "I think the report mainly represents the views of many special interest groups who have a vested interest in maintaining the status quo, so the government funding for their organizations remains in place."
Monte Solberg, MP for Medicine Hat reported, "We really wanted a process where average Canadians would to be able to put their ideas forward. By introducing the "Taxpayers' Test", voters will be able to see for themselves if the government's proposals represent common sense principles and respond accordingly."
Breitkreuz concluded, I am hopeful that some of our suggestions would be used during the second phase of consultations when we will review the Government's Action Plan. To be effective in Committee we need to hear from real people not just special interest groups. Please call, write or fax us at (613)947-7777. Put the government's proposals for social reform to the test and let us know what you think."
For more information please call:
Ottawa: Dennis Young, Parliamentary Assistant - (613) 992-4394
TAXPAYERS' TEST FOR THE REFORM OF SOCIAL PROGRAMS
1.Are the government's proposals for the reform of our social programs financially sustainable?
2.Do the government's proposals provide incentives to help people become less dependent on government?
3.Do the government's proposals provide incentives to the public service when program objectives are achieved? (i.e. lower unemployment)
4.Do the government's proposals eliminate all duplication of administration between the federal, provincial and municipal governments?
5.Do the government's proposals eliminate abuse of the system?
6.Are the government's proposals targeted to those people who are most in need?
7.Are the government's proposals based on "household income" and administered through the income tax system?
8.Are the government's proposals fair and do they treat all Canadians the same regardless of where they live?
9.Do the employers and employees who pay for Unemployment Insurance, have a real say in how the money is spent?
10.Do the majority of Canadians support the government's proposals?
IF YOU ANSWER "YES" TO THESE QUESTIONS THEN THE GOVERNMENT'S PROPOSALS ARE MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.
THANKS FOR TAKING OUR TAXPAYERS' TEST ON SOCIAL PROGRAMS.