Few government measures generate more discussion than a new budget. The Next Phase of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, as tabled on June 6, by Finance Minister Jim Flaherty, holds many positive things for Saskatchewan and Yorkton-Melville constituents.

With a few minor adjustments, the budget re-states and reinforces the broader commitments made in the March 22 budget. It focuses on four key areas: job creation, strengthening families and communities; investing in tomorrow’s economy, and preserving Canada’s fiscal advantage.

Business is a vital contributor to the health of the Yorkton-Melville area. This budget will further that momentum by providing a one-time temporary Hiring Credit for Small Business and expanding the work-sharing program.

It also includes incentives for small and medium-sized business to adopt key information and communications technologies, and promises major new investments to encourage growth in our agriculture, forestry, and mining sectors.

More Canadians are working today than prior to the recent recession. But to assist those who have yet to recover employment, we will renew two Employment Insurance pilot projects. One of those - Working While on Claim - will allow those on EI to earn extra money while receiving income support.

For seniors who rely almost exclusively on their Old Age Security and the Guaranteed Income Supplement, the budget will top-up their benefit by up to $600 annually for single seniors, and $840 for couples.

Many families in the riding will appreciate the new Family Caregiver Tax Credit on an amount of $2,000 for caregivers of spouses, common-law partners and minors with infirmities.

We’re also removing the limit on the amount of eligible expenses that caregivers can claim under the Medical Expense Tax Credit. Our new Children’s Arts Tax Credit will help pay for extra-curricular lessons.

The popular ecoEnergy grant to homeowners wishing to make their homes more energy efficient has also been reinstated.
Many of our communities are protected by volunteer firefighters. Those who perform more than 200 hours of service will be eligible for a $3,000 Volunteer Firefighters Tax Credit.

As an incentive to practise in rural and remote communities, we will forgive a portion of the federal component of Canada Student Loans for doctors and nurses. We also plan to enhance and expand eligibility for the Canada Student Loan and Grant Program for part and full-time post secondary students, and to make occupational, trade and professional examination fees eligible for the Tuition Tax Credit.

We pledge to assist Saskatchewan farmers with a new $50 million Agricultural Innovation Initiative. And from May 2011 until May 2012, we will again waive the licence renewal fees for hunters and firearm owners.

While keeping taxes low, our government foresees an earlier-than-targeted return to balanced budgets—and without cutting important transfer payments (including those for children, seniors, and the unemployed).

Since mid-2009 Canada has had the strongest growth in the G-7 countries. The Next Phase of Canada’s Economic Action Plan will maintain that stability and Yorkton-Melville will benefit.

For more information on any of these initiatives, please visit www.budget.gc.ca

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The audio version of Garry's June 13, 2011 op-ed column can be heard by clicking here