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Randy Hoback MP Report

Sep 1, 2011 | 1:07 PM

RANDY HOBACK MP REPORT
August 31, 2011

NDP RE-INTRODUCES COSTLY AND IRRESPONSIBLE LIBERAL BILL ON OLD AGE SECURITY RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT

I was disappointed to see that the NDP recently introduced a Private Member’s proposal that would cost Canadian taxpayers a billion dollars and give expensive taxpayer funded benefits to those who may have never paid any taxes in Canada and do not deserve them.

Through this proposal, the NDP joined hands with the Liberals in asking the government to reduce the residency requirement from 10 years to only a few short years to receive taxpayer funded Old Age Security. As you will recall, former Liberal MP Ruby Dhalla tabled a similar Bill during the last Parliament. Dhalla’s Bill was subsequently defeated following the election call in March of this year.

The NDP proposal would make someone who only recently arrived in Canada eligible to receive Old Age Security and a Guaranteed Income Supplement, just like someone who has worked hard for 10 years or more, paid taxes, and contributed to Canadian society.

I want to be clear – our Conservative Government is opposed to this costly and irresponsible Liberal-NDP scheme.

I have received an overwhelming amount of correspondence from constituents from all over the riding of Prince Albert. I would like to thank all who took the time to write in and express their opposition to the Liberal-NDP proposal. I have heard your opinion loud and clear and, like all of you, I am completely opposed to this irresponsible and costly scheme.

This scheme would cost a billion dollars at a time when Canadians can least afford it. It is offensive to Canadians who work hard and pay their taxes, and goes against Canadians’ deeply ingrained sense of fairness and fiscal responsibility.

I would like to reassure everyone in the riding of Prince Albert that our Conservative Government will vigorously oppose this costly and irresponsible Liberal-NDP scheme.

I encourage all constituents to share their thoughts on this subject by clicking on the following link: http://tinyurl.com/hoback-survey.

HELPING THOSE WHO FACE BARRIERS TO EMPLOYMENT

Today in Prince Albert, my provincial colleague Darryl Hickie and I had the opportunity to announce support for two projects for those who face barriers to employment. The Prince Albert and District Community Service Centre’s Creating Self-Sufficiency project will receive more than $46,000 in federal funding from the Enhanced Employment Assistance Services component of the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities. The organization will also receive close to $28,000 in Skills Link funding for its Community Service Centre project.

In today’s environment, it is more important than ever that all Canadians have the skills they need to participate and succeed in the job market. By supporting these projects, our government is helping young people and Canadians with disabilities maximize their potential.

The Opportunities Fund contribution will enable the Creating Self-Sufficiency project to help 24 people with disabilities find jobs or go back to school. Through the Skills Link project funding, the organization will help 15 young people overcome the hurdles that prevent them from getting jobs or pursuing their education.

A summary of the announcement and a backgrounder outlining the Enhanced Employment Assistance Services component of the Opportunities Fund can be found at the following link: http://news.gc.ca/web/article-eng.do?nid=620689

HELPING OUR SENIORS

My provincial colleague Nadine Wilson and I also recently had the opportunity to announce support for a local housing initiative for seniors in our community. The project, which was undertaken by Prince Albert Community Housing Society Inc. (PACH), consists of the new construction of an 18-unit, single-level garden apartment comprised of 16 two-bedroom and two wheelchair accessible one-bedroom units. The total project cost is approximately $3.3 million. Photos of the ribbon cutting ceremony can be accessed here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/randyhobackmp/sets/72157627439954593/

Funding in the amount of $2.3 million has been made available for the initiative through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the federal government’s plan to stimulate the economy and create jobs during the global recession. The federal and provincial governments are contributing equally to this overall investment of $132 million under the amended Canada – Saskatchewan Affordable Housing Program Agreement.

Our Government is committed to supporting Canadian seniors, who have spent their lives making cities like Prince Albert into what they are today. Providing safe, affordable housing is an important part of that commitment. We’re proud to have provided for this project through the stimulus phase of the Economic Action Plan.

This is another example of the Harper and Wall Governments working together for Saskatchewan.