Fraser Valley – The latest polls show a literal dead heat between the incumbent Federal Liberals and the Conservatives. As the days tick down to October 21 when you cast your ballot, the nuts and bolts of party platforms are becoming clearer.
Mark Strahl, Conservative Candidate for Chilliwack – Hope, highlighted several policy announcements, should Andrew Sheer bewcome Prime Minister and form a new government.
“This election is about choosing a Prime Minister and a government who will help Canadians get ahead,” stated Strahl. “Andrew Scheer has a plan: living within our means and putting more money in the pockets of Canadians.”
Andrew Scheer has announced the following measures that a new Conservative government will bring in to help Canadians put more money in their pockets:
Universal Tax Cut
A new Conservative government will reduce the rate of the lowest-income tax bracket with the Universal Tax Cut. The tax rate on income under $47,630 will be reduced from 15% to 13.75%. This will allow an individual taxpayer to save as much as $440 on their taxes. A two-income couple earning an average salary would save over $850 per year.
Green Public Transit Credit
A new Conservative government will introduce the Green Public Transit Tax Credit to reduce the cost of public transit and put more money back in the pockets of Canadians. The Credit will be for transit passes that allow for unlimited travel within Canada on local buses, streetcars, subways, commuter trains, and ferries. Some electronic fare cards and weekly passes can be eligible if they are used on an ongoing basis. It will reduce the cost of public transit and put more money back in the pockets of Canadians.
Children’s Fitness Tax Credit
Parents can claim up to $1000 per child for expenses related to fitness or sports activities. Parents with children with disabilities can claim an additional $500 per child.
Children’s Arts & Learning Tax Credit
Parents can claim up to $500 per child for expenses related to arts and educational activities. Parents with children with disabilities can claim double the amount, up to $1,000 per child.
Boost the Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP)
A new Conservative government will boost the RESP, putting more money in the pockets of hard-working Canadian parents trying to save for their children’s education. Under the Conservative plan, the government’s contribution to an RESP will rise from 20% to 30% for every dollar invested up to $2,500 a year. This change will boost the maximum annual grant from $500 to $750.
“More and more Canadians are falling behind or barely getting by,” concluded Strahl. “That’s not good enough. That’s why we need Andrew Scheer to be elected the next Prime Minister so that all Canadians can get ahead.”
