Archive for May, 2006

Recently, I cast one of the more solemn votes of my two years in the House of Commons. I cast a vote in favor of extending Canada’s military commitment in Afghanistan. While all votes are serious matters, votes which concern military commitments involve the possibility that Canadian lives may be lost. Therefore, I feel I should explain my vote to my constituents.

Canada’s commitment in Afghanistan is consistent with Canada’s support of freedom, democracy, the rule of law and human rights around the world. Canadian and coalition efforts have allowed 4 million refugees to return home. In addition, 5 million children (one-third girls) are now able to attend school. For these efforts to continue, the situation on the ground must be made secure.

Also, we must remember that the Taliban are the allies of the terrorists which threaten the Western world–terrorists who do not make subtle distinctions when they lash out at their perceived enemies.

Ultimately, the mission in Afghanistan is about preserving life and promoting freedom. In defense of these goals, some Canadians will have to risk their lives as members of our military. They will risk their lives so that others may live. I’m proud of our Canadian forces and their mission in Afghanistan. That’s why I voted the way I did.

I’m Brad Trost, your Member of Parliament, and I welcome your feedback. Write or call my offices.

Representing Saskatoon-Humboldt is a privilege. As your representative in Ottawa, I work for you. It is especially rewarding when I see the difference that good government policy is now making in the lives of families back home. Here is one example:

On May 10th, a group of rural MLAs came to Ottawa to talk to their federal counterparts, the Members of Parliament. One of them told me about a young farm couple in her riding. They were in financial trouble because of the tough times in agriculture. The final nail in their financial coffin was a demand from the federal government to pay back an “overpayment” from CAIS in the neighborhood of $44,000. Financially, it was over for this farm family. Bankruptcy was their only option.

But a couple of things then happened. First, the Minister of Agriculture announced a freeze on all the CAIS claw backs the bureaucracy was demanding. Secondly, some recalculations were done. The young farm couple got a phone call. With the new money for farmers announced in the budget, the young couple was actually going to get a cheque, instead of having to pay a bill.

If anyone wants to know why I’m a MP, show them the above story. I’m a farm boy and nothing makes me prouder than being able to help rural Saskatchewan. Now I’m not saying that everything the government has done is perfect, far from it. However, what we have done helps, and it has made a positive impact on people’s lives.

I’m Brad Trost, your Member of Parliament, and I welcome your feedback. Write or call my offices.

OK, the budget has come down, and the talking heads on TV have had their say. But, what does it mean to your bottom line? Who is affected by this budget? Here are some things that you may have missed.

First, everyone who has a job gets a new $1,000/year tax deduction. This has the effect of raising the basic exemption for employees. No receipts are necessary; it will be assumed that everyone has expenses related to their job. Expenses related to clothing, transportation, and work place supplies are normal for everyone. Therefore, as legitimate expenses they deserve a tax deduction.

Second, the RCMP will be receiving more funding. Roughly, 1,000 new positions will be created, and monies are being provided to upgrade equipment. So, if you have a family member who is thinking about becoming a Mountie, tell them to get their application in, because a lot more recruits are going to be going through Regina over the next few years. (Drug dealers, car thieves, and other various miscreants will not be thrilled by this news.)

Third, the government will be doing a major review of spending looking for waste. The goal is to save $1 Billion. This may sound like a lot of money, but when you realize that the government spends over $200 billion/year, this is really just a first step.

All of these measures, along with the more publicized announcements, ($1.5 Billion for agriculture, the Child Care allowance) make up a pretty decent budget for the country. While this budget is far from perfect, (there is nothing perfect from the government) it is a positive step forward. One that will make it easier for Canadians to make a living. If that is its only accomplishment, then the budget has done its job.

I’m Brad Trost your Member of Parliament for Saskatoon-Humboldt. I welcome your feedback.