OTTAWA REPORT

September 24, 2014 · 0 Comments

By Lois Brown, MP
Newmarket-Aurora

Helping Families
Canada’s economy is performing soundly in the context of a global economic recovery. We have had 1.1 million jobs created since July 2009 and over 80% of these jobs have been in full-time positions, nearly 80% are in the private sector and over 65% are in high wage industries.
Families are also faring much better. Under our government, Canadian families at all income levels have seen increases of about 10% in their real after-tax income. The lowest income Canadians have seen a 14% increase. This has dropped the number of Canadians living below the low income cut-off to its lowest level ever, according to Statistics Canada.
Children in two-parent families have dropped from 8.4% of low income families in 2004 to 5.9% in 2011. Children in female single-parent homes have dropped from 43% of low income families in 2002 to 23% in 2011. We are making steady progress and moving more people up the economic ladder, out of poverty and into better paying jobs and better futures for themselves and their children.

National Seniors Day
National Seniors Day is just around the corner on October 1. The Government of Canada is proud to pay tribute to the seniors who have helped build our country and continue to make valuable contributions to our communities, workplaces and society. Seniors have leadership abilities, energy and skills that can benefit us all.
We can all think of a senior who has made an impact in our lives. They are our mentors, our leaders, our grandparents and our loved ones. They are our volunteers, our neighbours and our role models. Through their commitment to remain active, engaged and informed, seniors across the country are demonstrating to Canadians of all ages exactly what it means to age well. And we are all benefiting from their ongoing contributions.
I am proud of the seniors in our community. I value what they have done for us, and they deserve our thanks. Let’s take the time to celebrate seniors and show our appreciation for everything they do. Happy National Seniors Day everyone!

Action Plan to Address Violence Against Aboriginal Women and Girls
The Government of Canada is deeply concerned about instances of family violence and violent crimes against Aboriginal women and girls, and in particular the issue of missing and murdered Aboriginal women and girls.
On September 15, the Action Plan to Address Family Violence and Violent Crimes Against Aboriginal Women and Girls was tabled in the House of Commons. The Action Plan—together with other federal support for shelters, family violence prevention and increased economic and leadership opportunities for Aboriginal women—will result in a total investment by the Government of Canada of nearly $200 million over five years, starting in 2015–16 and 2016–17.
As a government, we will continue working with all levels of government, the justice system and Aboriginal communities and organizations to address this critical issue. By working together, this government, and all Canadians can send a strong message that these acts of violence will not be tolerated in Canadian society.

Tax Relief for Newmarket-Aurora Businesses
Minister of Finance Joe Oliver has introduced a new Small Business Job Credit which is expected to save small businesses more than $550 million over the next two years. The Small Business Job Credit will effectively lower small businesses’ Employment Insurance (EI) premiums from the current legislated rate of $1.88 to $1.60 per $100 of insurable earnings in 2015 and 2016. Any firm that pays employer EI premiums equal to or less than $15,000 in those years will be eligible for the credit. Almost 90% of all EI premium-paying businesses in Canada will receive the credit, reducing their EI payroll taxes by nearly 15%.
The Canada Revenue Agency will automatically calculate the credit on a business’ return, ensuring no new paper burden will be imposed on business owners. In addition, all employers and employees will benefit from a substantial reduction in the EI premium rate in 2017 when the new seven-year break-even rate-setting mechanism takes effect. This will ensure that EI premiums are no higher than needed to pay for the EI program over time.
The 15% reduction in EI premiums will make it easier to hire new workers or invest in additional training to help entrepreneurs grow their business. This is great news for Newmarket-Aurora businesses as they are truly the backbone of our local community and economy.

If you would like to contact me on any issue, please call 905-953-7515 or visit my website at www.loisbrown.ca. I look forward to hearing from you.