TAX FREEDOM

Hi Mr. Hawn,

Thanks for the message. I have to tell you that I am disappointed to be hearing from you about tax freedom day when your government is in the process of cutting a lot of valuable programs and services, and undermining a lot of our environmental oversight through the budget implementation bill. The government has a responsibility to provide services and manage the country effectively. Efficiency and cost effectiveness are important but effectiveness is more important. In particular I am very concerned about the reduction in environmental screening capacity, giving ministerial power to over rule the NEB, cutting the NRTEE, Katimavik, and Parks Canada. Moreso, I am disappointed that your government is using such a large and cumbersome budget implementation bill to do a lot of non budget related things. You have a majority. Why not allow for proper consideration and debate and transparency for the changes you are making and initiatives you are taking. If they are worthwhile they will stand up to the scrutiny.

Thanks again for your letter and your hard work. Please consider communicating with constituents on things other than taxes and safety, I think we have a lot of other important topics that we expect to be represented on.

Sincerely,


Justin Wheler
T5K 1L8

On 12 June 2012 13:57, <laurie.hawn.a2@parl.gc.ca> wrote:

Hello Justin,

I just wanted to send you a quick e-mail to notify you that yesterday was Canada’s Tax Freedom Day! This is the day Canadians have earned enough money to pay all the taxes they owe to all levels of government for the year.

In 2005, under the Liberals, Tax Freedom Day was on June 26th. Now, in 2012, Tax Freedom Day is over two weeks earlier. That means Canadians are keeping more of their hard earned money where it belongs; in their pockets.

That’s the result of over 140 tax reductions by our Government. Indeed, we’ve cut taxes in every way government collects them:

·        lowering personal taxes cutting the GST from 7% to 5%;

·        reducing business taxes;

·        introducing the Tax Free Savings Account;

·        pension-income splitting;

·        tax credits for textbooks, transit passes, and kids sports and arts programs and much more.

In fact, we’ve reduced the overall tax burden on Canadians to its lowest level in nearly 50 years - saving the typical family over $3,100. We also removed over 1 million low-income Canadians completely from the tax rolls.

We will continue to do our best to ensure that Canada takes a strong path to long-term prosperity by keeping taxes low, and fostering a strong environment for job creators in Canada. Canada is emerging strong from the global economic recession.

It is my honour to be your representative in Ottawa, and is not a duty I take lightly. If you have any questions regarding these taxation issues, or any other federally related issues, please feel free to contact my office.

For more information on Tax Freedom Day please visit: http://www.fraserinstitute.org/research-news/news/display.aspx?id=18389

Cheers,

Laurie Hawn