Well, the budget came down this week and people all across the country are doing the math and seeing how it affects them, so I thought I would run through some of the exciting highlights that might impact you.

Income taxes are going down.   The basic income tax deduction is going up to $10,320 from $9,600; the 15% bracket is going up from $37,885 to $40,726 and the 22% bracket from $75,769 to $81,452.

-Child tax benefits have been increased for low income families.

-For Seniors, the Age Credit has been increased by$1,000.

-A new Home Renovation Tax Credit (up to $1,350) on eligible expenditures up to $10,000.

-$500 million for agriculture, plus $50 million to increase slaughterhouse capacity.

-Employment Insurance payroll taxes will be frozen for the next two years.

While there were many good things in the budget, I had urged the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister to make cuts in some departments if they were going to increase spending in any other areas. This was not done and is one of the reasons that the budget deficit for this year is projected to be as much as $33.7 billion, an amount that will take real disciple to bring back into surplus.

Canadians know from past experience how hard it is to stop deficit spending. All of the opposition parties (Liberal, Bloc and the NDP) are criticizing the government for not spending more in the budget. However, I believe it is important for Conservative MPs, such as myself, to keep pressing for fiscal prudence even if it is not popular. Taxpayers (both now and in the future) should have their money treated with great respect and value should be found in every dollar.

I’m Brad Trost your Member of Parliament in Saskatoon-Humboldt.  You can call my office in Saskatoon at 975-6133 or drop by our two offices to visit: Saskatoon Monday-Friday or Humboldt, Tuesday and Wednesday.  I always appreciate your feedback.