Canadian Association of Retired Teachers

On October 6, 2005, the Executive Director of the Canadian Association of Retired Teachers, ACER-CART, Pierre Drouin, appeared before the federal Standing Committee on Finance in a pre-budget consultation. Mr. Drouin raised many issues of concern to seniors, namely, grants to a consortium of seniors' organizations, direct compensation to persons leaving their jobs to take care of sick family members, splitting of household income, treatment of Old Age Security as tax-free income, increase in the pension income deduction,

re-introduction of the interest income deduction, deduction of 100 percent on non-covered medical expenses and of charitable donations.
Arguments were presented for a simpler and more equitable tax system. It was pointed out, on many occasions, that the present income tax system offers marked advantages to high income earners.
The government was taken to task for the all-party pledge in 1985 to eradicate child poverty in Canada by year 2000. Statistics indicate that there are more children living below the poverty line in 2005 than there were in 1985.
In closing, Mr. Drouin warned the members of the committee that ACER-CART would next column >>>

ARTA © 2005

 

no longer sit on the sidelines while public funds are squandered on questionable programs; if need be and if proper legislation is not adopted in the very near future, ACER-CART will be compelled to take on a more active political role.

Alberta Council on Aging

Region #2 of the Council met in St. Paul on September 22, 2005. The major concern of those present was the rising cost of utilities. Several key points were made:

1. The Energy and Utilities Board should not approve any more rate hikes for gas, heating fuel or electricity without a plan in place to help consumers.
2. Distribution and billing costs currently equal the amount charged for energy. This must stop - such charges should be no more than one half of the energy charge.
3. The rebate program that starts November 1 must continue for at least three to five years until there is some stabilization of energy costs.
4. There should be a rebate program in place for electricity as well.
5. In Alberta, home heating costs and electricity are essential services and therefore no GST should be charged.
6. Seniors want a stable pricing system for gas and electricity so they can have some certainty as to the cost of their utility bills.

Seniors are encouraged to share these thoughts and any others on the current fuel crisis with their MLA. Tell them your personal story about how prices are impacting you.

Peter Doonanco
[MLA contact information can be obtained at www.assembly.ab.ca. The contact numbers for the Energy and Utilities Board are:

(403) 297-2886 (tel)
(403- 297-2474 (fax)