The Conservative Government in Ottawa is delivering another $60 billion in tax relief over the next five years to hard-working Canadians and their families, including a further reduction to the GST (as we promised in the 2006 election).

Finance Minister Jim Flaherty’s Fall Economic Statement included reducing the GST to 5%.

That affects all Canadians positively, whether they are spending money on big ticket items such as a new house or vehicle, or just grabbing a quick snack at a mall food court. It means savings for everyone who has to heat their home in winter. It’s more money in your pocket at the end of the day. As well the GST credit for low and modest income earners remains the same. A perhaps unintended bonus may be a decrease in the use of the penny, with more sales ending in multiples of five.

Cuts to personal income tax mean 385,000 lower income Canadians will no longer pay income tax. The tax relief is aimed at those with moderate incomes – 30% of it going to people with taxable incomes under $38,000. The amount Canadians can earn without paying federal income tax will be increased to $9,600 for 2007 and 2008, and $10,100 for 2009.

For someone earning less than $30,000 annually we have provided an average tax savings of $510 each year.

Our Federal Conservative Government’s tax relief package will bring the total tax burden of Canadians to the lowest level in nearly 50 years. Unemployment is at its lowest level in 33 years.

As well as tax relief, the Conservative Government has also reduced Canada’s debt burden to its lowest level since the 1970s.

Our Federal Conservative Government in Ottawa promised Canadians tax relief and strong economic leadership. I think we’ve delivered on that promise.

What do you think?