While Michael Ignatieff headed west to Vancouver to begin a 20-city 11-day tour ostensibly to build support and momentum for the spring political seasons that could include a federal election, NDP Leader Jack Layton was on a tour of his own. Last night, he was in Sudbury, Ont.
I'm intrigued by some of the language he used in his Sudbury speech and will presumably use again in the future when it comes to the issue of bringing down the government this spring over the budget. I believe Layton and the NDP could be convinced to vote for the budget, despite the presence of corporate tax cuts, if the NDP can, in Layton's words, “get things done for Canadians.”
So what's his price for support of the budget? A boost in CPP and GIS; cutting taxes on home heating oil; and restoration of a home renovation tax credit. That doesn't sound too hard to do, now, does it?
Here's a couple of excerpts from Layton's Sudbury speech:e
“I’m ready for an election. But I’d rather get things done . . .”
“Don’t get me wrong. I’m ready to fight an election. New Democrats are ready to run the most ambitious campaign in our history. We have the money in the bank … and over the coming days, I’ll be announcing some tremendous new candidates. Candidates that’ll help us defeat Conservatives across the country. But until then, we have a responsibility to get things done for Canadians. Mr. Harper and Mr. Ignatieff have thrown up their hands — given up.”
“This is the kind of practical leadership I've always tried to bring to the table. Like in 2009, when we reached out to other parties and secured help for 190,000 hard-hit families.”
“So to Mr. Harper and Mr. Ignatieff, I say: Surely, there are some practical things that we can accomplish together this spring. First of all, surely all parties can agree to strengthen people’s guaranteed public pension . . . New Democrats are fighting to make sure stronger public pensions are part of the next budget. We’re looking for practical steps here. Like a modest increase in the guaranteed Canada Pension Plan. And an increase to the GIS, so seniors can afford the everyday basics they need. With a little cooperation, we can get it done.”
“Here’s a second area where party leaders should be able to find common ground — reducing your home heating bills. New Democrats have called on Mr. Harper work with us to drop the 5% federal sales tax on your home heating. We’d also bring back the eco-renovation tax credit — so families can make their homes more efficient to cut their bills even further. We're not giving up on this. And we’re going to fight to get you one in the next budget. “
I wouldn't read too much into this re: election.
An important proposition for the NDP, and one the party can make with great credibility under Layton, is that the party is an honest broker committed to getting results from minority governments. Indeed, they have succeeded in getting help for people from Paul Martin and Stephen Harper. Seems to me the speech sets out to reinforce that proposition while showing Jack to be the least erratic of the federal leaders.
I don't doubt the party's ability or desire for an election this time.
Jack most or a lot of seniors are in geared to income housing…Paul martin gave us our last raise of 31.00 GIS.half in 2005 half in 2006…we lost about fifteen of it as out rent increases…so whats the use. we also lose the ontario benefit gains when income rises…so dont bother..we need to get rid of the Harper and gang before Canada is changed forever….go and talk to Iggy and Gilles…P.S. people cant afford to refit their homes with no income..U are only making home depot richer. greatgranny
Jack most or a lot of seniors are in geared to income housing…Paul martin gave us our last raise of 31.00 GIS.half in 2005 half in 2006…we lost about fifteen of it as out rent increases…so whats the use. we also lose the ontario benefit gains when income rises…so dont bother..we need to get rid of the Harper and gang before Canada is changed forever….go and talk to Iggy and Gilles…P.S. people cant afford to refit their homes with no income..U are only making home depot richer. greatgranny
The biggest problem I can forsee is the huge gamut home heating fuel draws from. You have hydro/electricity, heating oil, propane, diesel (for the more isolated far north), natural gas, and possibly other sources.
To exempt those things would be pretty expensive. Also, it wouldn't lead to an absolute 5% reduction, since the input GST paid by the companies would then become a hidden tax which of course will be paid for by the customer.
Why can't they at least propose a logical solution, which would be a one time grant to less well off individuals and families to help them pay for home heating.
If the problem is that poor people don't have money, the solution is to give money to poor people – no need for a distortionairy cut that benefits energy hogs with huge houses more than the individuals that really need it.
You're a greatgranny? I don't know many greatgrannies who can't spell the word “you” or would choose to. 😉
Like many folk in BC, we heat our home with electricity, which we also use for power for appliances, lights, etc, security system, and some (but not all) cooking.
So just how exactly does the NDP propose to determine how much of my Hydro bill is for heating, or does this simply apply to discrete sources of heating, and people like me are SOL.