Conservative priorities are wrong
Courier-Islander (Campbell River)
April 4, 2008
Letters By: Geoff Green

….As we all start filing our income taxes, the federal personal tax cuts sound great but the actual impact on the average person is trivial. With only short term political gain for the Conservatives and no long term planning for our economic future, this government's tax cuts and policies do not bode well for Canadians. The growing gap between the rich, middle income and poor is increasing.

While the rich are getting super rich, the rest of us are noticing that despite hard work the dollar just isn't buying what it used to a generation ago. The budget priorities and choices of this minority Conservative government on how to spend our tax dollars are appalling!

Three months ago the December 2007 budget gave a $1.6 Billion dollar tax break to big oil and gas. …

This year middle class Canadians with an income between $45,000 - $100,000, will see an average of $223 in tax breaks. Those with an income at the poverty level of $15,000 a year or less will see an average of $121.

These 'savings' of $10.09 per month won't even cover the cost of the increase at the gas pump, that is if you can afford a car in the first place!

… Why isn't there affordable child care to support working families?

What about the shameful statistics on child poverty? Why are children in this country still going to school hungry? Where is the affordable housing?…

With different priorities we could do so much more to ensure our children live in a world with a future.