REPORT FROM PARLIAMENT

It’s that time of year again. When the Federal Government presents a new budget, and all of us have to submit our taxes. Though it has been a challenging year, with the help of Canada’s Economic Action Plan we’re right on track to make a full recovery – faster than any other G20 nation.

Your Conservative Government has funded an unprecedented number of infrastructure projects to jump start the economy, keep small businesses running and help Canadians stay on their feet financially. We also recognize this type of spending is not sustainable, but was needed to help us through the worst part of the economic downturn.

In the upcoming budget, we will demonstrate real action on the deficit. Canadians have had to cut costs to keep a balanced budget, so too should your Government. It will not be easy – having to go without is never an easy thing, but it is necessary.

In the interim, I’d like to remind you that there are a number of savings of which you may like to take advantage for the upcoming tax season. There is the Home Renovation Tax Credit, for home improvements completed between January 27, 2009 and February 1^st, 2010. The Children’s Fitness Tax credit allows you to claim $500 per child. For Business owners, don’t forget there is the Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit and the Tradesperson deduction for tools.

In the upcoming weeks, you will receive a tax guide to remind you of how you can save more on taxes.

Hon. Gerry Ritz is the Member of Parliament for Battlefords-Lloydminster www.gerryritzmp.ca