Cut to GST does little to make child care, housing affordable
The Daily News (Kamloops)
February 11, 2008
Opinion By: Mary Ellen Grant

Does the GST cut make Kamloops more affordable?

When asked in question period by Michael Ignatieff, the deputy Opposition leader, why the current Harper government's finance and industry ministers were not responding with any definitive action to the closure of two automobile manufacturing plants, Jim Prentice, the federal Conservative industry minister, seemed pleased, and quite cynical, that the Harper government had reduced the GST by two per cent…

While the GST cut may be benefiting rich Canadians, those who are struggling to meet everyday living costs, locate available child care, find affordable housing, pay for university or pay off student loans, and find long-term, stable jobs are left with choices to drive older, non-environmentally sound vehicles, or opt for reasonable and reliable transit, all of which, still remains, for the majority of non-metropolis dwelling Canadians, fictitious dreams.

GST cuts do not help local Kamloops families in finding a spot for their children in a day care but, also, the GST cuts do not help even dual-parent families to pay for day care.

The Harper government does not seem to recognize that the GST cut cannot and will not replace providing socially responsible and federally funded services to municipalities…

Write the Harper government demanding greater support for municipalities like Kamloops, especially affordable housing and day care.