Families and friends gathered this past weekend in our Crowfoot riding to join Christians across Canada and around the world celebrating Easter. For me, it was just what I needed: to be at home and surrounded by my family. News of Jim Flaherty’s passing came to me like it came to most of you – as a great shock. Since being appointed as Minister of State (Finance) I have had the opportunity to work with him closely and see him at his finest. I will always cherish that.
Jim was a master of his files and the best Finance Minister this country has ever seen. He helped steer Canada through the worst global recession in a generation. Thanks to his determination and the strong leadership of Prime Minister Harper, the Canadian economy remains strong and middle income families are benefitting.
Just yesterday, a new analysis released by the New York Times shows that middle incomes in Canada have surpassed those in the United States for the first time. It found that median after-tax income in Canada has never been higher and was higher than any of the other countries surveyed, which included the United States, France, Australia, and the United Kingdom. This study is further confirmation that our Government’s low-tax plan for jobs and growth is working.
We also know that Canadians’ wealth has increased dramatically, with the median net worth of Canadian families increasing by 44.5 per cent since 2005. This increase has been led by the middle class. I am pleased to report that under our Conservative government, the typical family is now paying nearly $3,400 less in taxes than they did before we took office.
Unfortunately, the Liberals and NDP have already pledged that should they win the next election, they will increase the size of the federal government, which means either ballooning Canada’s national debt or increasing taxes on Canadian families. This is in direct contrast to our record of putting money back into the pockets of hard-working Canadians.
Justin Trudeau has no idea what it’s like to be middle class. He believes budgets will “balance themselves”. No tough choices, no discipline, no savings are required when you’re Justin Trudeau. Unlike him, we know that good economic management requires tough decisions, a focus on priorities, and sound judgment.
I am proud of our Government’s strong record. We cut taxes 180 times, the number of Canadians living below the Low Income Cut-off is at its lowest level ever and after-tax disposable income has risen by 10% across all income levels since 2006.
It is with great satisfaction that, as a result of our Government’s low tax plan, more money is where it belongs – in the pockets of Canadians and their families. This has been one of the major political goals strongly supported throughout our riding over many years, including during my own tenure as our Member of Parliament. I am pleased to be delivering on this commitment to benefit the hard-working families in Crowfoot.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this or previous columns you may write to me at 4945-50th Street, Camrose, Alberta, T4V 1P9, call 780-608-4600, toll-free 1-800-665-4358, fax 780-608-4603 or e-mail HYPERLINK “mailto:Kevin.Sorenson.C1@parl.gc.ca” Kevin.Sorenson.C1@parl.gc.ca.
