Scott Reid Welcomes Conservative Plan to Protect Pensions & Cut Taxes for Seniors

Carleton Place – Local MP and Conservative candidate Scott Reid today welcomed Stephen Harper’s announcement that a Conservative government will enhance pension income by immediately doubling the pension income amount that seniors can deduct for registered pension plan or RRSP income from $1,000 to $2,000-gradually increasing to $2,500 over the next five years.

Harper also announced that a Conservative government will protect retirement security programs, including Old Age Security, Guaranteed Income Supplement, and Canada Pension Plan.

“Seniors who have worked hard and paid their taxes all their lives deserve a government that will reduce their tax burden and protect the pension system,” Reid stated. “While Paul Martin has publicly mused about taxing important sources of income for Senior Citizens-Income Trusts for example-Stephen Harper has made a firm commitment never to tax this important income source. Indeed, Mr. Harper will give Seniors an immediate tax break on their private retirement savings.”

Harper also promised improved delivery of government services to Seniors, which will be monitored by a new national Seniors’ Council. The Seniors’ Council will be made up of representatives of national Seniors’ organizations. In addition to monitoring the quality of government services to Seniors, the Council will provide policy advice to the Minister Responsible for Seniors.

“Seniors have approached me countless times with their concerns about the poor quality of federal government service. I’m troubled that often, Seniors cannot telephone government departments without being put ‘on hold’ for long periods of time,” Reid stated.

“The Conservative plan for a new Seniors’ Council will ensure that Seniors themselves can hold the federal government to the high standard of customer service and respect that they deserve. It’s a breath of fresh air for our Seniors, who are telling me everywhere I go that they want to see a change in the way Ottawa does business.”

For more information or to speak with Mr. Reid
Please call (613) 257-8130 or (613) 947-2277.

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