February 16, 2010

Ramara Council Chambers
Meeting Format:

The format of the meeting invites participants to address their comments and concerns about the upcoming Budget 2010.  The meeting begins with opening comments from the M.P. to set the context of the forum.  Speakers are allowed to speak more than once, though preference will be provided to participants who have not yet spoken.   The M.P. will Chair the meeting.  There is no time limit for each speaker per sé, however the Chair will intervene to restrict time so that all interested participants will have an opportunity to bring their comments and questions forward. 

The Chair and his staff representative will keep notes on the verbal presentations.  Written submissions are welcomed individually or in support of oral presentations.

Participants are invited to list their name upon arrival with the staff representative to that they may receive a copy of the report to the Minister of Finance that will be completed once all the town hall consultations are completed.

The Chair may ask questions for clarity, provide answers to questions and make statements of explanation as needed.

Though the meeting is specific to the coming 2010 Budget, participants are welcome to pose other questions not necessarily related to the Budget.

Budget 2010 Context:

• We are half way through a Two-Year economic action plan (EAP)
• The 2010 budget is not expected to be as expansive as 2009
• The economic action plan encompasses three themes:
• Investments in infrastructure, stimulus investments
• Tax relief for Canadians – e.g. Home Renovation Tax Credit
•  Support for unemployed workers, those displaced by the economic down turn
• Budget discussions for 2010 could consider:
• The current EAP; are there components that could finish earlier than planned; are there parts that should be extended
• The need to look ahead to reducing the budget deficit and return Canada’s budget framework to balance and eventually surplus
• The need to strengthen Canada’s economy into the future

Note from the Member of Parliament, Bruce Stanton:

What follows are the comments and in some cases the consensus of opinion, summarized for clarity and brevity, of the participants at this consultation.  I want to thank them all for their candid and thoughtful explanations and questions.   Here is what I heard at the meeting:

GST

• Most participants felt that a temporary increase in a GST would be an intelligent way to decrease our debt

Air Canada Pensions

• Felt that pensioners should be protected by the Federal Government who Federally regulates Air Canada (notes attached)

Registered Pension Plans

• It was suggested by one participant that there be allowance to extract over 25% from her provincial pension plan to pay off her mortgage.  Would like the lock-in provision to be removed

Home Renovation Tax Credit

• It was expressed by participants that this program has assisted the area by stimulating job activity and it would be beneficial to have this program extended. This is a bonus to builders and also allows individuals to build equity in their homes. Many revolve the area the credit is offered for – from roofing to appliances for example

Housing for 30yr olds vs 60 yr olds

• There are different demands on each age bracket when it comes to housing. 30 year olds are trying to purchase homes and should be given tax incentives to assist them in this process and 60 year olds are trying to renovate and update their homes

Foreign Trained Doctors

• Work to allow more foreign trained doctors to gain credentials to work in Ontario faster. Across provinces rules are not the same and Ontario is too strict and takes too long given the current shortage in areas such as ours. The Federal Government should step in and ensure doors are opened more freely by Ontario.

Tax break for Elderly

• The elderly are struggling in our area and it was suggested that perhaps a tax break for seniors would be helpful

The meeting was adjourned at 6:00pm