There is only one week remaining to file your taxes. As Canadians fill out their returns, they have more ways than ever to save, thanks to real tax relief from the Conservative Government.

Many Canadians will not only pay less income tax this year, they will also receive an additional refund for last year. The Conservative Government’s most recent income tax cuts are retroactive to January 1st 2007. As part of these tax reductions, the amount of income that Canadians can earn before paying tax has been raised to $9,600.

In addition, Canadians can take advantage of a variety of tax credits to help them save money for their own priorities.

With the children’s fitness amount, parents can claim the cost of enrolling their kids in sports programs. Families who use child care can also claim the child care expense tax credit.

Working Canadians who commute on public transit with a monthly or yearly pass can claim a portion of the expense with the Public Transit Pass credit. Likewise, skilled workers who bought tools last year may be able to claim a portion of the expense, thanks to the tradesperson’s tools deduction.

Canadian seniors can take advantage of both pension income splitting and the increased age amount credit, making life more affordable for those on a fixed income.
Students can claim their tuition, education and textbooks, helping a tight student budget stretch a little further.

And all Canadian families are already saving money on everything they spend, thanks to the Conservative Government cutting the GST from 7% to 6% to 5%.
When Canadians next go to the polls, they will face a clear choice. Stéphane Dion has admitted that he is considering a GST hike and that he has secret plans to impose “tax shifts” on Canadians. When politicians talk about ‘tax shifts,’ Canadians know their taxes would shift in only one direction: up!

When it comes to lowering the tax burden on Canadians, the Conservative Government is delivering.

Guy Lauzon, M.P.
Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry