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Budget examines retirement issues

In the past five days of the 41st Parliament, I have voted to elect a new Speaker of the House, attended my first throne speech, witnessed a parliamentary page removed for engaging in partisan politics, participated in my first question period and listened in as our budget was introduced to Canadians.

I also had a chance to attend the opening the new Penticton Swimming Pool where I was very honoured to meet and hear from many citizens on issues that are of importance to them.

One issue that I know is of great importance to all of us is the need to help those seniors who are struggling in their retirement.

Budget 2011 contains increased financial support to the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) for low income seniors.

These increases for an eligible senior could be as much as an additional $600 for a single and $840 for a couple annually. This increase will help close to 700,000 seniors from coast to coast.

In addition the income earnings exemption threshold for the GIS will also be increased from $500 to $3,500 to help those seniors who are still active in the workforce.

For family caregivers, there will now be a 15 per cent non-refundable tax credit for those who care for dependent family members.

In addition, the $10,000 claim limit for eligible medical expenses will be also be removed.  There is also a new children’s arts and tax credit for eligible programs in the arts, culture and recreation.

The reason I raise these items is that this budget recognizes  that different people in different stages of their life have much different  needs.

This budget also recognizes some of the diverse needs of a riding like Okanagan-Coquihalla.

These are only a few of the many details contained in this year’s budget however one aspect that I believe is also very important and was announced in the throne speech is a commitment to do a comprehensive review of all government spending.

I think we all know that government is very good at creating programs but not always as successful at putting an end to them. This will be first review of its kind in roughly 15 years and will be conducted by a cabinet subcommittee.

I may also have a chance to make my first official members statement into the house this week. It is my intent on asking my fellow members to be mindful of the many young high school and college students that will graduate in the weeks ahead and that we not lose sight of the needs of jobs and a strong economy for their future.

Retirement is another topic that I will raise as it is one that many of you have shared with me as an important one.

Our seniors deserve to retire with dignity.

Dan Albas is the MP for Okanagan Coquihalla.