THUNDER BAY, ON - April 30, 2009 - Ottawa – Today is the deadline for filing tax returns. 
“Canadian families in our community will notice even more savings after another year of Conservative tax cuts,” said MP Greg Rickford. “Every year since taking office we have cut taxes and introduced new tax credits to ensure Canadians have a little more money in their pockets during these challenging times.”
The Conservative government record on tax relief:
· Reducing the GST from 7% to 5%– After years of Liberal inaction, the Conservative government achieved our commitment to cut the GST from 7% to 6% to 5%.
· Lowering Income Taxes – The Conservative government has increased the amount all Canadians can earn to $9,600 before they have to pay federal income taxes.
· Introducing Pension Income Splitting – Conservatives delivered for Canadian seniors by allowing pension income to be split between couples, allowing for greater tax savings.
This year, the Conservative government launched Canada’s Economic Action Plan, to help strengthen our economy. In our Plan, tax relief plays an important part of contributing to Canada’s economic stimulus and recovery.
New tax measures for 2009 in Canada’s Economic Action Plan:
· Further Reducing Income Taxes – A further increase to the base personal amount, meaning Canadians can now earn up to $10,100 before they have to pay federal taxes.
· Introducing the Home Renovation Tax Credit – Helping Canadians improve their homes while stimulating local businesses. The Home Renovation Tax Credit gives Canadians a 15% credit on renovations done to their home or cottage over $1,000 up to a maximum of $10,000.
· Extending Tax Cuts for seniors – In 2009, we increase the Age Credit for low and middle-income seniors by a further $1,000.
“Canadians can count on the Conservative government’s record of tax relief,” said Rickford. “Meanwhile, Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff has admitted that he wants to raise their taxes. That is wrong for Canadian families and businesses.”
