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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2005-12-21, Page 3The Huron Expositor • December 21, 2005 page 3 _._News- Federal candidates discuss economy and taxes Mark N o n k e s Local representatives from vari- ous parties can all relate - money matters. That's why during this election campaign the economy and taxes are one of the topics at the centre of debate. Huron -Bruce candidates spoke out on ways the government can help keep a little more change in people's pockets. Unanimously, it was taxes that took the forefront of this week's dis- cussion. Conservative representative Ben Lobb said if elected his party would fight to lower the GST to five per cent over a five-year period. A Conservative government would also provide tax breaks up to $500 for parents who have their children involved in sports, Lobb said. What's more, Lobb added the Conservative party still has more announcements up its sleeve about small business in the weeks _to come. Four -time elected MP Paul Steckle said his Liberal government has a proven history of providing tax relief for those in lower and middle income tax brackets. He said the Liberals have promised $30 billion more in tax relief over five years. Steckle point- ed out that a new tax credit for up to $10,000 for personal care in homes was announced. The NDP's Grant Robertson said his party has no plans to raise taxes whatsoever. "Everything we'll do is in a bal- anced budget concept," Robertson said. He called Liberal and Conservative campaigns, which have promised tax relief, as an elec- tion time goodie and nothing more. Dennis Valenta, a recently declared independent candidate, said taxes should be lowered to the exact amount that is currently being wasted on things such as gun registry and the ad scam. Meanwhile, Steckle pointed to the strong economy to show the Liberal government's strength. He said inflation, interest and unemploy- ment has been the lowest its ever been in 30 years. He added the government has also been able to reduce the coun- try's deficit by billions. "Quite frankly, I think the econo- my right now is as good as we'll ever see it," Steckle commented. Meanwhile, Lobb said his econom- ic stance is to provide more local support. Lobb called for a renewed effort and set targets to make sure Huron -Bruce is considered when manufacturers are looking for new locations. Valenta added that a strong man- ufacturing sector is needed and the government should encourage Holiday Deadlines... Our office will be open Mon. to Fri. 9am to 5pm with the following exceptions... Closed Christmas Eve Day Dec. 24 thru Tuesday, Dec 27 Monday, Jan 2 - Closed growth in the future. Robertson said the government needs to look at readjusting unem- ployment insurance to make it more accessible to seasonal workers. He also mentioned that the NDP is committed to investing in educa- tion and training, which contributes to people's income. BOXING WEEK BLOWOUT NHL REPLICA > JERSEYS S59.99 Please note these deadlines for advertising and editorial departments: PUBLISHING DATE DEADLINE Wed., December 28 Thursday, Dec. 22 @ 12Noon Wed., January 4 Friday, Dec. 30 @ 12Noon From All Of Us To All Of You! We hope you have an extra special holiday, and that you are with those near and dear to you. It's been our pleasure serving you, and we thank you for being such a loyal reader. From all of us at.. 11 Main St., Seaforth 527-0240 Sale Starts Wed., Dec. 21 Sale Ends Sat., Dec. 31 No Gift Certificates or Exchanges will be accepted during this sale. All Sales Final. MITCHELL' SPORTS 85 ONTARIO ROAD, 3484913 MITCHELL