Thu, 24 May 2012 00:32:28 -0800WeeblyMon, 21 May 2012 22:42:53 -0800http://www.danalbas.com/5/post/2012/05/may-21-2012-mp-report-for-okanagan-coquihalla-items-of-interest-around-the-country.htmlOne of the things I have noticed about Ottawa is that each week there is often a different event that will be the major news story from the parliamentary press gallery and often the opposition parties as well. More often than not these stories will quickly travel throughout Canada and back home to our beautiful region of Okanagan-Coquihalla. What I often find interesting is that sometimes these media stories will generate a fair bit of local interest as citizens request further information or pass on personal points often either in support or opposed to this issue in question. Other times news events that are actively discussed in Ottawa I have heard from local citizens here in the riding who cannot believe some of the media stories unfolding in Ottawa are even considered to be newsworthy at all.


Last week was very unique as it was actually the leader of the official opposition Thomas Mulcair who was the subject of the media spotlight over comments made by Mulcair essentially blaming the challenges in the Ontario and Quebec manufacturing sector on the western Canada based resource economy. Many media pundits were quick to castigate the NDP and Thomas Mulcair for what they called a “war on the west” and a “divisive attack against Canadian national unity” and a “recklessly unCanadian”   position that Mr. Mulcair refused to apologize for. For those who suggest that newly minted political leaders enjoy a honeymoon period from the media, suffice it to say Mr. Mulcair’s has been very short lived.


However lost in the media story is another, and I submit more import dynamic that we as Canadians must be very aware of. While it may politically easy for Mr. Mulcair and the NDP to point fingers of blame at the British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan economies for the challenges in the Ontario and Quebec manufacturing sectors, doing so ignores other important facts. The reality is the collapse of the US economy, our largest trading partner, is far more relevant to these challenges then blaming western Canada. It should also be noted that the manufacturing output since March, the same month our Governments Budget 2012 economic action plan was introduced, production output has actually risen by close to 2%, the largest gain since September with more increases in the forecast.

However there is another more important consideration to be mindful of. Another media event we have recently observed is rioting students in the Province of Quebec. In spite of having the lowest post secondary tuition in North America and a proposed increased that would still see Quebec students with the lowest tuition rates, the students are rioting and taking to the streets. In response to the rioting students, Mr. Mulcair told the media that our Government must spend more of your money subsidizing post secondary education. While this is an expected response from the leader of the NDP opposition here is why we should all be concerned. Where would this money come from?  

Here in Canada we have a decades old national equalization program. This program takes money from some Provinces in Canada and gives that money to other provinces in theory to offer comparable services. Here is the problem with this equalization programs from my perspective. This year the Province of Quebec will receive more equalization money than any other Province in Canada with a $7.4 Billion payment, almost half of the entire $15.4 Billion equalization program. Ontario, Manitoba and the Maritimes Provinces receive the balance. The Western Canadian provinces, the very same provinces attacked by Thomas Mulcair and the NDP, receive no equalization under this program and in fact help pay for it. From my perspective Mr. Mulcair and the NDP should be thanking the Western Canadian Provinces and not attacking them. Canada needs an equalization program that is fair to ALL of our Canadian provinces and requires a strong economy to do so. As Canada’s equalization program is coming up for renewal in 2014 I welcome your views as the taxpayers of Okanagan- Coquihalla on this or any other topic.


Dan Albas is the Member of Parliament for Okanagan-Coquihalla and can be reached at dan.albas@parl.gc.ca]]>Tue, 15 May 2012 09:00:53 -0800http://www.danalbas.com/5/post/2012/05/mp-report-for-okanagan-coquihalla-may-14-2012-debate-that-best-serves-canada.htmlThis past week was a very raucous one on Parliament Hill with much of the discussion centered around the subject of debate, or as could be more accurately summarized, debate about debate.   At times over the past few weeks I would submit that there has been more debate about the process of debating then there has been legitimate debate and discussion over proposed Bills and related legislation.   I will provide some examples of this recent practice.
 
During the initial debate on the budget, an individual NDP MP consumed three entire days of the debate time.  In doing so literally dozens of other MP’s from all across Canada were denied the opportunity to speak either for or against various aspects of the Budget. What was more alarming is that in order to continue to take up debate time the NDP MP in question began to read anonymous twitter feed into the record. While it may be an allowable political tactic to monopolize debate time in doing so MP’s from other parts of the country and different political affiliations are being denied an opportunity to also speak out on the budget. It is difficult to understand how this political tactic enhances or encourages a healthy debate.
 
Moving on to the actual debate on the Budget Implementation Act, the Opposition Liberal party instead of engaging in debate initially suggested that there were potentially two different versions of the same bill and used this self created confusion as grounds to further delay the debate.  Ultimately the Clerk’s office confirmed there was only one copy of the Bill and the Speaker ruled that debate must continue. Unfortunately debate that is delayed in this case means that debate that could have occurred did not. More recently members of the NDP Opposition party have committed to otherwise delay or disrupt debate solely because the Government would not agree as to how the Budget Implementation Bill could best be debated. In others words there is a suggestion that if we cannot agree on how we should debate we should then interrupt the debate that does occur.

In another example members of the opposition have also accused our Government of denying debate at committee meetings by using the practice of going in camera. The Canadian Press using information provided by the non partisan Library of Parliament actually revealed that the Government to most often use this tactic was in fact the Liberals under Paul Martin with runner up honours going to the Liberal Government under Jean Chrétien. As you may have also heard recently the actual debate time at second reading allocated to the Budget Implementation Act is the longest in the past twenty years. That being said, from more recent experience the fact that time is being provided to actually debate does not necessarily mean that the debate time is being used for the purposes intended. More commonly debate time seems consumed about the debating process and how some members of the opposition would potentially prefer a different format.  

If I come across as sounding frustrated with these current tactics it is fair to say that I am mindful that some of our most recent debates are not serving the interest of Canadians as well as they could be. If the Opposition believes that our Economic Action Plan is not the right direction for the Country, then let them propose rather than simply oppose. Democracy thrives not only when the people have a voice but when clear ideas can be debated. Ultimately the ongoing delay and disruption tactics should not be used instead of bringing ideas and being prepared to defend them: Canadians deserve nothing less.

This is obviously a somewhat partisan point of view admittedly from an MP who is still very new to Parliament Hill. I certainly welcome your views on this or any other subject.

Dan Albas is the Member of Parliament for Okanagan-Coquihalla and can be reached at dan.albas@parl.gc.ca]]>Sun, 13 May 2012 16:23:15 -0800http://www.danalbas.com/5/post/2012/05/okanagan-coquihalla-mp-report-may-8th-2012-reflecting-on-the-last-year-budget-and-debate.htmlIt was roughly one year ago that I wrote my first ever report as your newly elected Member of Parliament for Okanagan-Coquihalla.

Reflecting on the past 12 months and in particular the immense learning curve (that I am currently still on) has shown me the deep passion that Canadians collectively share for our great country. At times we differ in our views and sometimes strongly, but each year on July 1 we come together in celebration to honor what we value most in our country and in ourselves as Canadians. We may sometimes take it for granted but as a nation we are one of the freest, most prosperous and peaceful countries in the world.

When in Ottawa I am often mindful of the importance of our decisions and the challenges that we continue to face in working to keep Canada strong and prosperous. Canada as a country was built on principles of sacrifice and immense hard work. Our vast social programs materialized much later on once Canada had established the wealth to afford the luxuries of a secure social safety net.

However where citizens once worked in consensus and agreement to undertake the projects that helped create prosperity and employment, today many of those same types of projects are frequently opposed. Regulations that stand as a barrier are often embraced and special interest groups that seek to curtail and derail new investment and infrastructure are on the rise.

Most Canadians believe in the importance of creating jobs here in Canada and lament out sourcing yet if we cannot continue to build and to innovate in a productive and efficient manner this is a challenge that will continue to occur.

You may have heard about Budget 2012 and the Budget Implementation Act. Budget 2012 is one of the most comprehensive budgets in Canadian history. In fact some of our critics have suggested it is too comprehensive and would like to see a simpler more basic budget document being put forward.

It is important to recognize that Canada has a relatively diverse and interrelated economy. Threats to one sector can indeed have repercussions in others. In my discussions with local employers over the past few weeks even in smaller communities like Logan Lake and Okanagan Falls there are major private sector employers who depend upon a healthy mining industry and special projects as one example. In turn transportation and regulation are also important contributing factors to the viability of these local operations. All of the considerations also create well paying jobs in other related industries.

It is for these reasons that a comprehensive budget strategy is required to ensure that where possible our vast regulatory processes can be made more efficient to ensure that we are putting citizens to work instead of joining the unemployment line.

Recently in Ottawa the opposition critics expressed outrage that debate on the Budget 2012 budget bill had been limited to just seven days. What was often not mentioned was that time closure supporting seven days of debate was only being invoked at second reading debate. In other words, the entire budget debate is not limited to seven days, it was only one stage of the debate at second reading that is subject to a seven day time clause.

It should be pointed out that after second reading is full committee stage review (including an all party sub committee where MP’s with expertise in the environment regulatory processes can fully discuss and scrutinize the bill) followed by a third reading debate before being sent to the Senate where this process would occur once again.

In total Budget 2012 will end up having the longest period of debate of any budget in the past two decades, something that I view as positive given the importance of the budget and the spending of your tax dollars. That said, it is also imperative to ultimately pass Budget 2012 in 2012 and more so as many of the budget provisions are essential to moving our Canadian economy forward in a manner that creates jobs here in Canada and supports our local economies.

]]>Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:08:47 -0800http://www.danalbas.com/5/post/2012/04/mp-report-for-okanagan-coquihalla-april-23-2012-politics-and-the-unwritten-rules.html
Although I still have much to learn about life in public office, there are a few unwritten rules that I have become aware of. One of those rules is that it is generally considered ill-advised to comment publicly on the actions of other levels of government, and by extension other elected officials. That being said some recent actions within local and regional government are from my perspective, a cause for concern. As elected officials one of our primary responsibilities is to collectively vote and make decisions on behalf of those whom we are elected to represent. At times this can be a difficult process as some decisions can be controversial and as is always the case in every healthy democratic environment there are always those who are in agreement and those who oppose.
 
Currently I am in support of further changes to the MP pension plan that are more respectful to taxpayers. My position on this is one that is not popular with some colleagues in Ottawa. Conversely I am also supportive of Budget 2012, my position on this is opposed by some citizens within Okanagan-Coquihalla who do not believe that Government should consolidate or eliminate programs and Budget 2012 does call for a reduction in the spending of your tax dollars. My vote in support of eliminating the long gun registry was supported by most citizens I heard from, however it was strongly opposed by others. From my perspective, part of being accountable to taxpayers is to not only to take a position on issues of importance and vote accordingly, but also to explain that position in a timely manner that citizens can be aware of.
 
Where my concerns arises is that recently I have noted several circumstances where some elected officials have basically abstained from having to take a vote on controversial decisions. There are legitimate situations arising around a conflict of interest when an elected official can state the reasons for absenting from a vote however in several recent vote abstentions no public reason for not voting was provided to taxpayers and from my perspective that is wrong. Over the past weekend I have consulted with many former elected officials who served in variety of roles on this subject and have learned that my concerns are not alone. As this has not been an issue raised though the local media I have instead decided somewhat reluctantly to raise this issue in my weekly MP report to you.
 
I believe that as members of the public you deserve to know where your elected representatives stand on issues of importance. If we allow the practice of abstaining from a difficult vote in public to become more common I believe that it will result in more decisions being made behind closed doors and in private. When elected officials of any level remove themselves from discussions for any other reason than a perceived or real conflict of interest, this lack of representation lessens the eventual decision as not all constituencies have their views presented.  This is not a partisan issue and not one that I take any enjoyment in raising but I firmly believe that a fundamental obligation of public office is that we make our views known through discussion and debate. Decisions can at times be unpopular and challenging however as public officials we must make these decisions publicly and be held to account for them at election time, that is the very essence of our democratic system. I welcome your views on this or any subject.
 
Dan Albas is the Member of Parliament for Okanagan-Coquihalla and can be reached atdan.albas@parl.gc.ca]]>Mon, 16 Apr 2012 17:26:37 -0800http://www.danalbas.com/5/post/2012/04/mp-report-on-pensions-phasing-out-the-penny-and-the-internet.htmlAs a first time Member of Parliament I often wonder how the role of being a Parliamentarian has changed since the advent of the internet. Although I am active electronically and communicate through mediums such as Twitter, a website and blog along with email I am often amazed that in the era of information just how much misinformation and even fabrication exists online. I have also noted that people in person are generally civil and respectful of others whereas some of the language and tone contained in certain emails is at times well over the top and even alarming in some cases.  For whatever reason the most nasty of comments are largely restricted to online emails and anonymous commentary. I have noticed that while one cannot deny that email is superior in terms of speed and immediacy, you cannot beat a phone call or a face to face meeting in terms of interaction and mutual understanding & respect. I certainly appreciate it when people also include their phone number with their email or letter- a good conversation will often cover more ground than a dozen letters! 
 
More recently I have noted a trend of online urban myths where a picture of a fancy jail or a photo of politicians playing electronic solitaire in a democratic chamber is suggested as to be Canadian in origin. In both circumstances these online photographs were taken outside of Canada and are from other countries. While it is unusual to comment on something so trivial the amount of inquires I have received on these two particular photographs has been very significant.
 
One other area I have received a number of inquiries pertains to MP pensions on account of some media reports that had wrongly suggested that MP pensions would continue to be protected. Budget 2012 contains provisions that will see changes being made towards MP pension plans that will ultimately result in a 50/50 contribution. As I have stated previously I am in full support of changes to the MP pension plan that will be more respectful to taxpayers and as such I will be voting in favor of this proposal. I will also stand on record in support of further changes to MP pension plans that continue to be more respectful to taxpayers. I have heard from a majority of citizens who understand that our Government must make some challenging decisions with respect to reducing spending and in some cases consolidating or changing programs but there is also an expectation that as Members of Parliament we should also be involved in this process. Citizens may often disagree on the decisions of Government, however this is one area where I have heard a strong consensus and I appreciate the time many of you have taken in sharing your views with me on this and other topics.
 
I have also received a surprising number of inquiries regarding the phasing out of the penny. Beginning this fall, the Royal Canadian Mint will no longer be distributing the penny. Although the penny will retain its value indefinitely, our Government encourages Canadians to either redeem them at financial institutions or to consider donating them to charity. In the absence of the penny a process of rounding up or down will be implemented as follows. For transaction between  $1.01 and $ 1.02 cents the total would be rounded down to $ 1.00 For amounts of $ 1.03 - $ 1.04 the total would be rounded up to $ 1.05 while conversely amounts of $ 1.06-$ 1.07 would also be rounded down to $ 1.05 and an amount of $ 1.08 or $ 1.09 would be rounded to $ 1.10. If you are a business owner or an interested citizen who would like to have further information on this change please contact me at the email address below. Alternatively, if you have a further question on this or any topic please give my office a call at 1(800) 665-8711 or local (250) 770-4480.
 
Dan Albas is the Member of Parliament for Okanagan-Coquihalla and can be reached at dan.albas@parl.gc.ca .
]]>Thu, 15 Mar 2012 08:18:27 -0800http://www.danalbas.com/5/post/2012/03/mp-report-for-okanagan-coquihalla-march-12-2012.html*please note that due to some technical difficulties, the MP report was late in being sent out, I apologize for the delay- Dan.

This week is expected to be busy one on Parliament Hill as there is potentially up to ten different votes that may occur in addition to the introduction of new legislation. With every vote recorded in Parliament I have noted back at home here in Okanagan Coquihalla there will be those citizens who are strongly in support of these votes and also those who are opposed. This week I will potentially be supporting a bill that will disappoint some members of our region and I believe it is important to share further information on this topic.

Recent labour negotiation challenges at Air Canada have threatened to potentially ground the airline and create a situation that would adversely impact thousands of Canadians and threaten segments of our Canadian economy. Out of concern for the travelling public and to protect our fragile economic environment our Government will take action. This news will not sit well with some members of our region and in particular with some staff members at Air Canada. However I have also heard from many citizens who depend upon the services of Air Canada and who will be severely impacted if the airline experiences a disruption of services. In addition the economic impact of a service disruption has been estimated to exceed $20 million on a weekly basis. From a national interest it is clear that our Government has a responsibility to help protect the interests of Canadians and to help keep our economy moving. A shutdown at this point has the potential to lead to layoffs and job losses and that is a situation that must be avoided and is why I will be in support of these efforts.

Also this week the Safe Streets and Communities Act will come back before the House of Commons for the final reading. This has also been a controversial Bill as our Government believes that toughening sentences does not create new criminals but rather helps to keep the existing ones in jail. Many citizens have shared concerns with me over the revolving door of justice that continues to put the rights of criminals ahead of victims. I have also heard from critics who believe that criminals are the real victims and should not be incarcerated.  

I greatly value hearing from citizens and the input I have been getting on a range of topics continues to increase. Citizen engagement in Okanagan-Coquihalla from my perspective is excellent.  I have been highly impressed by citizen efforts to promote   the West Kelowna entry in the Kraft Hockeyville contest and also to citizens in Penticton who came out in flash mob to support bringing expanded airline service to the community. Citizens have great power when they work in support of an important cause. As next week is a break when the House stands adjourned I will be back in the riding and available to meet with you. Contact my office at 250-770-4480 or toll free at 1-800-665-8711 to schedule a meeting or a phone call.

Dan Albas is the Member of Parliament for Okanagan-Coquihalla and can be reached at dan.albas@parl.gc.ca

]]>Mon, 13 Feb 2012 14:28:07 -0800http://www.danalbas.com/5/post/2012/02/mp-report-for-okanagan-coquihalla-february-13th-2012.htmlIn my previous two MP reports I have discussed the OAS in context with the changes occurring in Canadian demographics to the extent that by 2030, our population of citizens who are over 65 will double. The fact that the amount of citizens over 65 will double from currently 4.7 million today to 9.3 million by 2030 is not, in itself an alarming concern. However what must also be taken into context is the other important changes occurring to Canadian demographics. As I mentioned in last week's report in 1975 there was a ratio of 7 working taxpayers for every citizen over 65. Today that ratio has been reduced down to 4 taxpayers per retired senior. However by 2030 that ratio will be further reduced down 2 working taxpayers per retired senior.   Why does this matter?

Critics have suggested that these pending changes to our population should be ignored and are of no significance. I  respectfully disagree. Over the past weeks I have been further researching this subject and I do believe that there is a legitimate cause for concern. Critics have suggested that the future increase in OAS spending, in spite of consuming a larger share of our national GDP, is "manageable" and is really an issue of spending priorities. While this may sound like a reasonable claim, it is also very important to understand where this money will ultimately come from.   Many citizens may be unaware of this fact however the single largest source of revenue for the Federal Government is from income tax. Nearly 50% of all Federal Revenue, a total of $ 113.5 billion, comes off the top of your pay check. By comparison the GST as a revenue source provides just over 10% of government funding at $ 28.4 billion.

From a revenue perspective the fact that income tax contributes almost half of all federal government funding as the single largest revenue source is significant.   When one considers that the ratio or working taxpayer's to citizens over 65 has gone from 7:1 in 1975 and will further decline to 2:1 by the year 2030 it is clear that not taking action today will create problems in the future. I am not suggesting that there is a crisis, however with income taxes comprising nearly half of all government revenues combined with fewer working taxpayers  in the years ahead ultimately means there will less people trying to pay an increasingly larger bill. On the spending side it must also be noted that OAS is only one of many benefits provided under Canada's vast social safety net. Total current spending on support for the elderly is roughly 13% of the entire federal budget at $36.6 Billion. The child benefit program by comparison is less than half of this amount at $12.7 billion while Health transfers to the provinces are currently $26 billion. It should also be noted that currently Canada is paying $ 30.9 billion a year in debt serving costs.

I have in the past pointed to the challenges that other countries, most notably Greece, are facing from the inability to take proactive actions and maintain public spending within what taxpayers can afford. Even France, one of the most prominent countries in the European Union, faces challenges since its credit rating was recently downgraded, placing more debt pressure on its citizenry. Generally speaking few problems are created overnight and most are decades in the making. Many citizens have rightfully pointed out that Canada is a country rich in resources however it must also be noted that our Government is actively trying to open up alternative markets to those resources and often the very projects that help to achieve these important goals are also opposed. Canada is a country that was build on hard work and if we are to keep Canada strong as a nation we must accept the importance of taking proactive actions to ensure that we have the resources needed to provide the services that Canadians can depend upon but also that Canadian taxpayers can afford. Our Government will continue to work towards these important goals.

Dan Albas is the Member of Parliament for Okanagan- Coquihalla and can be contacted at dan.albas@parl.gc.ca

]]>Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:27:37 -0800http://www.danalbas.com/5/post/2012/02/mp-report-for-okanagan-coquihalla-february-6th-2012.htmlI was reminded this past week of my relative newness as a Member of Parliament. Although it has been almost eight months since being sworn in to serve, I must confess that I have not developed the kind of ‘thick skin’ or ‘water off a duck’s back’ attitude that I witnessed by some of the more experienced politicians, particularly when faced with a controversial issue. After hearing some recent comments made publicly about the OAS and pensions in general I feel compelled to respond. I would like to again clarify that there has been no discussion whatsoever about reducing the OAS benefits to retired seniors. For the record our government has been firm in the commitment to retired seniors that OAS benefits will not be reduced in any way. Likewise our Government has also made the same commitment for those taxpayers who are near retirement. Our Government has further confirmed that no changes to OAS benefits would occur that did not include a substantial notice of change to younger taxpayers.

To be clear, the changes coming to Canadian demographics are not a political issue, they are a reality. Over the next two decades the amount of Canadians over the age of 65 will double. When OAS was first created in 1952 the age eligibility was 70.  Interestingly enough the average life expectancy at that time was 66 for men and 71 for women. I expect not many Canadians lived long enough to qualify and likely that was part of why the OAS qualifying age was lowered from 70 to 65 in the year 1965. The good news for Canadians is that today the average life expectancy is 79 for men and 83 for women. This is why today OAS represents annual spending of $ 36 billion and based on the aging of our population is expected to rise to $108 billion in the year 2030. Critics have pointed out that as a percentage of the GDP this represents a spending increase from roughly 4.5% of current GDP to roughly 6.2% in 2060 (depending on what forecast you follow).

That may not in itself seem like a significant increase; however there is another important fact that must also be taken into consideration. In 1975 there was a ratio of 7 working taxpayers for every retired senior. Today that ratio is almost cut in half and has been reduced down to 4 taxpayers per retired senior. More importantly by 2030 that ration will be further reduced down 2 taxpayers per retired senior. If OAS were the only program funded under Canada’s vast social safety net then likely it would be easier to ignore this trend as most critics suggest should be done. However I have also heard from retired teachers and retired members of the British Columbia Government Employees Union who have shared some of the challenges that occur if a long term view is not taken in the funding of pension plans.

I would also like to clarify that I am not suggesting there is a crisis; only that as Canadian taxpayers we need to recognize that in the future we will have fewer taxpayers supporting our vast social safety net at a time when Canadians are living longer. Before I sign off on this week’s report I would like to thank the many of you who have taken the time to share your views with me on this important subject. I will continue to take comments and suggestions forward. While I have heard both support and opposition for taking a proactive approach on the OAS, one area where I have heard a consensus is that no OAS reform should occur without similar considerations being applied to the MP pension plan. I have taken your views to Ottawa and for the record I will vote in support of changes to the MP pension plan that are more respectful to the taxpayers of Okanagan-Coquihalla.  

]]>Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:25:56 -0800http://www.danalbas.com/5/post/2012/02/mp-report-for-okanagan-coquihalla-january-30-20121.htmlThe topic of pensions has again been on the minds of many citizens and in particular seniors within the riding of Okanagan Coquihalla this past week and has also been actively covered in many Canadian media reports. I would like to clarify to seniors who current receive the OAS benefit that there will be no changes to the benefits you currently receive. Likewise to the citizens who are very close to reaching retirement age I would also like to confirm that no change would occur without substantial notice and an accompanying adjustment period to ensure that sufficient time is provided to adjust and plan appropriately for your retirement.Our government remains committed to the retirement security of Canadians, however we must also be proactive to ensure that we have retirement security that Canadian taxpayers can afford that seniors can depend on.

Going forward over the next two decades we know that the amount of Canadian citizens over the age of 65 will basically double from roughly 4.7 million seniors today to over 9.3 million by 2030. We also know that today seniors are living longer and healthier lives than ever before, a fact that Canadians can all take pride in. However we must also recognize that more seniors collecting OAS benefits with fewer workers to fund those same benefits will create a very serious situation if ignored. In terms of numbers the total annual payout for OAS benefits is expected to rise from the current amount of $36 Billion a year today to $108 Billion by 2030. Today there is a ratio of basically four working taxpayers helping to fund OAS benefits to retired seniors. By 2030 this ratio will be cut in half down to two working taxpayers attempting to fund OAS benefits. This is an unsustainable situation and is the reason why a new balance must be found in order to secure the future of this important program.

Understandably any proposed changes to OAS are a cause for concern to all Canadians, however we cannot ignore the changes to the demographics of our society and run the risk that countries such as Greece are currently encountering with an inability to meet financial obligations. Over the past six years our Government has introduced increases to the GIS, pension income splitting, increase age credit and the tax free saving account (TFSA) As a result of these changes a single senior can now earn $ 19,000 per year ($ 38,000 as a couple) before paying any federal income taxes. We have also lowered the GST rate to ensure there is less tax on your after tax spending. The majority of these initiatives were opposed by the opposition.   I expect further proposed changes will potentially also be opposed.  While there may be disagreement and debate on how best to secure the long term future for retired Canadians, I am hopeful that we can all agree on the need to be proactive today and not reactive in the future when our options may be limited. 

Dan Albas is the Member of Parliament for Okanagan- Coquihalla and can be contacted at dan.albas@parl.gc.ca  

]]>Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:25:52 -0800http://www.danalbas.com/5/post/2012/02/mp-report-for-okanagan-coquihalla-january-30-2012.htmlThe topic of pensions has again been on the minds of many citizens and in particular seniors within the riding of Okanagan Coquihalla this past week and has also been actively covered in many Canadian media reports. I would like to clarify to seniors who current receive the OAS benefit that there will be no changes to the benefits you currently receive. Likewise to the citizens who are very close to reaching retirement age I would also like to confirm that no change would occur without substantial notice and an accompanying adjustment period to ensure that sufficient time is provided to adjust and plan appropriately for your retirement.Our government remains committed to the retirement security of Canadians, however we must also be proactive to ensure that we have retirement security that Canadian taxpayers can afford that seniors can depend on.

Going forward over the next two decades we know that the amount of Canadian citizens over the age of 65 will basically double from roughly 4.7 million seniors today to over 9.3 million by 2030. We also know that today seniors are living longer and healthier lives than ever before, a fact that Canadians can all take pride in. However we must also recognize that more seniors collecting OAS benefits with fewer workers to fund those same benefits will create a very serious situation if ignored. In terms of numbers the total annual payout for OAS benefits is expected to rise from the current amount of $36 Billion a year today to $108 Billion by 2030. Today there is a ratio of basically four working taxpayers helping to fund OAS benefits to retired seniors. By 2030 this ratio will be cut in half down to two working taxpayers attempting to fund OAS benefits. This is an unsustainable situation and is the reason why a new balance must be found in order to secure the future of this important program.

Understandably any proposed changes to OAS are a cause for concern to all Canadians, however we cannot ignore the changes to the demographics of our society and run the risk that countries such as Greece are currently encountering with an inability to meet financial obligations. Over the past six years our Government has introduced increases to the GIS, pension income splitting, increase age credit and the tax free saving account (TFSA) As a result of these changes a single senior can now earn $ 19,000 per year ($ 38,000 as a couple) before paying any federal income taxes. We have also lowered the GST rate to ensure there is less tax on your after tax spending. The majority of these initiatives were opposed by the opposition.   I expect further proposed changes will potentially also be opposed.  While there may be disagreement and debate on how best to secure the long term future for retired Canadians, I am hopeful that we can all agree on the need to be proactive today and not reactive in the future when our options may be limited. 

Dan Albas is the Member of Parliament for Okanagan- Coquihalla and can be contacted at dan.albas@parl.gc.ca  

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