GST going up?

This week began with several media headlines from Ottawa suggesting that the Liberal Government was not ruling out a tax increase to the GST to help pay for the rising Liberal deficit spending. 

Not long after, I heard from many upset citizens on this subject, as a GST increase was not in the Liberal platform. 

Fortunately, our new Finance Minister, the Hon. Bill Morneau, has stated through social media that these headlines were misleading, and that the Government is not considering changes to the GST. It may seem unusual for an opposition MP to help clarify that a GST increase is not expected, however I feel that it is important to do so.

One of the things I discovered as a member of the Government Caucus in the last Parliament is that all too often government policy is reported in an erroneous and sometimes misleading way. 

In my view, miscommunication of government policy not only does a disservice to elected officials, more importantly it does a disservice to citizens. 

As an Opposition critic, it is my duty to hold the Government to account, however as a Member of Parliament, I believe it is important to communicate government policy and positions accurately, regardless of the opposition position. 

The need to work constructively to raise the bar in our electoral governance and its institutions is an important one. While Government is often blamed for cynicism of voters, there is also room for Opposition to take action, and that includes addressing misinformation when it occurs. As always I welcome your views on this subject.

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Although the House of Commons is currently adjourned until Monday, January 25, 2016, there are still a number of events occurring. 

Throughout Canada, including here in our region of British Columbia, the first Syrian refugee families are arriving. While the Government has been keen to take credit for much of this work, it is also extremely important to recognize that many of the current refugees arriving are privately sponsored. 

We have all, at one point or another, faced a new situation, such as starting at a new school or job. We know how stressful it can be, particularly if you find the environment less than welcoming. 

One can only imagine the stress of leaving one's home to come to another country so far away. I would like to personally thank the many individuals and organizations who are working tirelessly together as private sponsors to ensure that our newly arriving Canadian citizens are successfully welcomed and embraced as proud members of our Canadian family.

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Also in Ottawa this week is the release of the full report from the Truth and Reconciliation Report, which summarizes one of the darkest times in our history, when aboriginal children were being forced to attend residential schools. 

While we cannot change our past, we can learn from this chapter in history and use this experience to build on a better future. The Government has indicated that they will accept all of the recommendations from this report, and will work toward implementation. I will report further on this subject when more information becomes available.

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Finally this week is the subject of town halls. A number of people have suggested they would like to see community town halls in which citizens can meet directly with their Member of Parliament to discuss matters of importance, and also to pass on comments and concerns. 

I have heard a number of complaints from citizens who worked during this past election but still have not been paid, or they have encountered other difficulties. While this is just one example, there are other issues as well that have encouraged me to investigate the idea of hosting a number of community forums throughout our region. 

My question to you: Is a community forum something you would be willing to attend? Are there specific concerns you would like to see addressed in a more open format? 

All responses will be treated in confidence. I can be reached via email at [email protected] or toll free at 1.800.665.8711.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.