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Tory agenda sidetracked by protesters
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CTV.ca News Staff
Date: Tue. Sep. 16 2008 10:42 PM ET
Conservative Leader Stephen Harper announced a tax break of up to $750 for first-time home buyers Monday but chanting protesters managed to partly shift the agenda to the situation in Canada's manufacturing sector.
Harper, speaking in Kitchener, Ont., said the tax break would help ease the burden on Canadians looking to buy a house.
"The Conservative government will give first-time home buyers a tax credit of up to $5000 on the closing costs of the purchase of a new home," Harper said Tuesday.
"That means a savings of up to $750 when you file your tax return."
During Harper's news conference, 10 to 15 members of the Canadian Auto Workers union could be heard protesting in the background about the loss of jobs in the manufacturing industry.
"Hey, Harper! Come on out and face us!" yelled a man into a scratchy megaphone. "Don't worry about it, Harper! You'll be on the unemployment line soon enough!"
Michael Devine, president of CAW Local 444, said there has been tremendous job losses in the manufacturing sector in the Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge and Guelph areas since the Tories took power.
"The reason we're out here today is to get through to Mr. Harper and get through to the Conservative government that the manufacturing job loss is very severe in southern Ontario," Devine told CTV Newsnet.
Harper said he understands there have been job losses in the area but, overall, he said there has been more job creation.
"We're not trying to tell people we can subsidize a job that is under pressure," he said.
"What we can do is work with business to help make the investments to transform those jobs into jobs that will be jobs of the future in a competitive, global economy."
Opposition attacks
NDP Leader Jack Layton attacked Harper in a speech outside a John Deere plant in Welland, Ont., that is slated to close -- throwing 800 people out of work.
Layton accused the Tories of allowing large corporations to cut jobs and move them out of Canada.
"You deserve a prime minister who will make jobs for working people a priority in this country," Layton said Tuesday. "A prime minister who will put you and your family first."
Layton promised that his government would invest $100 million a year in skills training and the manufacturing sector.
He also vowed to reform employment insurance for workers and tradespeople to provide greater access to full- and part-time training.
Meanwhile, Liberal Leader Stephane Dion also took aim at Harper Tuesday during a press conference in Halifax.
"He's saying, 'Don't worry, be happy.' In his words, 'There is no bloodshed,"' Dion said of Harper.
"Well, tell that to the hundreds of people who lost their jobs at Ford last week. The hundreds who lost their jobs at John Deere."
With files from The Canadian Press
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I applaud the budget, even though Health Care and education may stay unscathed. Sadly this cannot last and I worry to later this year where cuts will become enviable. If anything, this provides the Wildrose Alliance plenty of ammo when an election is called.
Comments are now closed for this story
Greg in the Hammer
said
THIS GUY GETS IT. Issues real Canadians can sink their teeth into.
How does Mr Dion criticize this now?
Keep going Mr Harper.
juli
said
Rick in NB
said
Vote NDP
said
James in Calgary
said
Marcel
said
eddytoronto
said
Dennis LeDrew
said
It seems to me that Harper's proposed policies (like this one here) are ones that will help Canadians deal with these tough economic times and/or get ahead. Liberals have been heard to say that "Tory times are tough times". Well if that is true, maybe its because only the Tories can deal effectively with such times.
Sudbury, Ontario
James
said
Jay from Halifax
said
BC Wet Coaster
said
A home in Vancouver costs about 500,000 (if you're lucky). My savings is:
750/500,000 = 0.15 %
Wow, so I save almost 0.2 % of my purchase. With great savings deals like this how could I not want to vote for them?!
Seriously Conservatives, go back to the drawing board and stop insulting us!
Greg in the Hammer
said
Exactly what has Mr Harper not followed through on from his last election platform?
Promise GST cut by 2% Done.
Promise Tougher sentencing Done
Promise streamline immigration Done
the list goes on.
I find the criticism humorous coming from obvious Liberal supporters. The Party that invented vote buying and pandering to special interests in Canada
It must be depressing for members and supporters of the Liberal Party to watch Mr Harper announce and enact policies that are actually popular with and useful for Canadians while Mr Dion and his crew try to convince Canadians that taxing them into poverty and more government involvement in their lives will be good for them and the environment.
Patrick in Ottawa
said
Ike J.
said
I think you are confusing the Conservatives with the Liberals. Remember the red book? If you want promises to be kept, then turn to the blue.
shane prpich
said
Buying my first home in a extreme over priced housing market on the verge of a econmic collapse, is my dream!
Thanks Stephen!
You know exactly what Canadians want!
Gender Neutral
said
Layton's $20,000,000,000 tax grab
said
It's these insightful two fold benefit policies that distinguish our Prime Minister from others who are running for PM on platforms that are basically tax and spend with little economic stimulus.
I feel good having an economist (Mr. Harper) running our country instead of a wild tax and spend socialist like Layton.
Layton wants to increase our taxes by $20 BILLION dollars by reversing tax reductions already in place. That would be harm our economy, cause more job layoffs and drive us into a recession.
The NDP seems to think money just magically grows on trees and it's waiting for them to spend spend spend.
An NDP government is not a good choice for working Canadians who work hard and pay their fair share of taxes.
ABC all the way
said
I'd rather have the 1/2% tax cut that the Liberals gave me back. That was $400 in my pocket.
Besides, given Harper's history of lying, do we believe that he will deliver??? We don't know.
ABC
Mike
said
The $750 goes towards CLOSING COSTS, not the purchase price! These are the out-of-pocket expenses you have to incur at the time of closing, and $750 can go a long way here!
Tim
said
Jason
said
al
said
A young couple in their 20's getting married, are encouraged to be in debt from the start. Then they buy a hybrid with a conservative tax rebate. 5 years down the road the couple is at each other's throats because they can't get out of debt. They split leaving the kids traumatized.
Construction boost???? Oh yeah, there are an abundant amount of trees and material that can be used for building. The conservatives imagine that the planet gives ressources that are limitless. I can't wait for the debate so that Liz gives these clowns an earful.
Lovely
Jo in Gtown
said
I find the comments that Harper is 'buying votes' hysterical ... is that not what Dion is doing with is 250M+ for fisheries, 900M for drugs, etc? Layton's just as bad, making empty promises. At least Harper's promises are geared towards the entire country, not just the specific groups they happen to be speaking to.
Calgary Joe
said
Diesel Tax… now my Semi costs me 1.14/L a KM opposed to 1.16. Woohoo.
EI benefits… only Maternity and Parental Benefits, while most Self Employed already have had children, so a safe bet no one who is self employed will opt in. Woohoo.
UP TO $750 Tax Savings… I guess anything can help. But of course he did cancel the Energy Star Rebates, which saved me $1,000's of dollars on all our Appliances, furnace and water heater when we built our home. I guess that's called slight of hand - take away one program that had a dual benefit and replace with one of his own.
Dean
said
How is it that when the Conservatives offer tax incentives, it's a bribe, but when Layton and Dion are throwing BILLIONS at you, it's some fantastic thing.
Make you a deal - add up who is offering what and at what expense, then tell me if you want to keep drinking the Kool-Aid or are ready to actually discuss politics.....
K. Rayner
said
Ken - Calgary
said
Matt Brulotte
said
Greg in the Hammer
said
What would you prefer? A promise to buy you a house? It''s not about handouts. Is about doing small things that make it easier for Canadians to pursue dreams by WORKING TOWARDS THEM and not waiting for a nanny state government to GIVE THEM THINGS.
Strange concept eh? Its called a
WORK ETHIC.
Add the $750 dollars to the rest of your tax return. If you put even a small amount away each year your tax return will amount to .... a vacation, a home improvement, .
Look at the big picture people.
What is laughable is Mr Dion's 2% income tax reduction for his "Green Shift".
For me that amounts to about $1800.
Or about $120 a month. THAT WILL NOT EVEN COME CLOSE to offsetting the increased costs of utilities, fuel, food etc that will occur by enacting such a stupid policy.
MHR
said
I assume he is talking about massive housing production like my company where I currently work. These houses are crap.
I think what would be a true boost for construction inds. is that if we force provinces to remove property taxes or reduce personal income tax considerably for first-time homebuyers. Real saving for homebuyers is if they build homes themselves instead of buying crap brand-new houses from massive housing companies.
That will serve as a boost to NATION-WIDE construction because homeownera will goes to local construction companies.
Hmmm or help them buy first 'starter' house and give them a tax break up to $5000 so that they can opt to fix their structure or increase their home's energy efficiency.
that would be a true boost.
However, this stuff that Harper just talked is a crap talk.
Not buying it.... I am also a first-time homebuyer - I will buy a starter house in spring.
MIke In winnipeg
said
Here we go again. Another vote buying scheme by Harper. Sure he can give all these cash incentives but will this help society overall in the long-term? Remember Bush in the US and Harris/Eves in Ontario. This was consistent as tax cuts do nothing for the economy in the long term and create deficits. Instead Harper should be building more affordable housing units which he never or rarely does.
"
I would have to disagree. Spend My hard earned money on affordable housing for people not supporting themselves? I think not. I agree that there are cases where people do need help and are in desperate situations because of no fault of their own (mental, physical, medical issues). But I know far too many people living off the spoils of the tax payers with no incentative to pay their own way. How does help the economy?
I think the hard working canadians (any person with a job or really actively seeking any job) should be helped first.
As for the NDP they plan on giving everything away that may sway voters to thier party. Fuel regulation. Cell Phone Regulation, taxing corporations more and giving tax breaks to the poor.. I myself have worked hard to get where I am and I believe everyone should take responsibility for thier own situations and choices we've made in our lives. I've made some pretty bad ones along the way but didn't turn to the tax payers to get me out of my situation.
Kevin
said
Greg in the Hammer
said
Do any of you buy anything? Obviously yes. Then a 2% GST cut keeps money in your pocket.
Jason. Greg Weston of the Sun wrote an article on Dion's rebate plan for home retrofitting. He ran all the numbers. It will bankrupt the country. I might add you still have to pay the costs UP FRONT, and then wait for your money. If you have an older home as I have, 10K doesn't go very far. Furnace? AC and you're done.
Joe. There are still government rebate programs available. I just replaced my furnace and AC and am getting $3000 back in total from the provincial and federal govts.
Would you rather still be paying 4% excise tax on diesl?
Geoffrey
said
I do hope you are well compensated for your loyalty to a Leader who invented cold-hearted, low-road politics, where naked political self-interest appears to be his chief motivator,to quote LM. How true a statement.
I believe Canada will see through him by election time.
David Hall
said
GTA
said
William - East Ontario
said
Scott in Qc
said
I just ran the Terry Fox run and would like you to donate $750.00 for a good cause. Since this is such an insignificant amount to you folks, I hope you can maybe even double that "nothing"...Thanks in advance.
Don in Calgary
said
Robert
said
This would help ALL home owners. Not just people who are first time buyers.
K.Rayner (BUSH HATER)
said
Monika, York Region
said
I agree with other proud Conservatives that Mr. Harper is possibly the best Prime Minister Canada has ever seen. He is actually doing much better than even I expected. To all the naggers, these are some of his accomplishments:
1. Lowering GST by 2% (as promised) saving dollars to all Canadians, poor or rich - everybody needs food, clothes and shelter.
2. Lowering personal income tax
3. Increasing personal tax credits
4. Introducing an additional tax credit of $2,000 per child
5. Introducing $1,200 benefit per child for families with small children
6. Announcing help to struggling automotive industry
7. Announcing cutting excise tax on diesel fuel - again this will benefit everybody
8. Putting a feasible and definite end to the Afghanistan mission
9. Putting Canada on an acceptable level when it comes to international politics
10. Promoting organized sports by introducing tax credit of up to $500 per child
The list goes on and on and he keeps adding…
On the other hand, Mr. Dion:
1. Dual citizenship
2. Carbon tax
3. Double child benefit - this is quite interesting because I can clearly remember how much all the opposition was against this benefit stating that parents will use it for booze or even worse
I think there is absolutely no comparison. I just wish Mr. Harper were a PM when my 4 children were still small - I would have saved, ‘conservatively’, $50,000 and that's before accounting for the lower income tax.
Go Mr. Harper, go!
A student
said
Don
said
But he also promused fixed lection, child care space, not to raise taxes, wait times guarantees accountability,...and the list goes on and on and on.
You can't trust Stephen Harper.
bj
said
Rhetoric and empty accusations don’t make a very sound or solid argument … but then again given that the Liberals have supported most of Mr. Harper’s economic agenda and other policies in the last two-and-a-half years, I guess it's pretty hard to find anything of substance to disagree with or challenge.
Marty (from Ancaster)
said
All I can say is that I don't think there is a good choice this election. Every party has a policy that will hurt Canadians and most are making promises that they cannot keep or will never get passed as it will undoubtedly be a minority government and they'll never get it through.
It's about time Canadians stop bending over and taking what the policticans have to give. Countries like France (while not perfect) have far better social programs and standard of living than us- and why? Cause the government is accountable to the people. Maybe it's time Canadians revolt against the government and tell them how we want our money spent. When will we say enough is enough and stand up for ourselves? We can do it- we are not helpless!
Am I alone here?
James from Vancouver
said
To all of those homebuyers who paid 7% GST and now find themselves wanting to move, they must make up the difference in the sale of their home on the 2% drop in GST.
Tougher sentencing = more jails. Not an actual reduction in crime or the causes of crime. Reductions in crime has been ongoing since the mid-90's.
Streamline immigration? Only because the Minister can now accept or shred any application based on any ideology s/he sees fit to carry out. We still have a 900,000 backlog.
Canada's economy, like its dollar, is now pegged with the price of oil. As oil prices decline so-to will Canada's economy. Harper has not focussed on any other sector so heavily.
When confronted on CTV's Question Period on Sunday, Baird did not deny he and Prentice met a total of 36 times with Oil executives (as per the Lobbiest Registry) in June and July of this year. Can any other industry make such a boast?
Edb
said
Ontario was BOOMING under Harris ! As I recall, the only complaints came from the cash for life public sector. That's right, keep voting NDP so they can tax YOU out of YOUR home and build some lovely affordable housing with the extra cash.
Wow, that was some socialist paradise Bob Rae created for us.
InThePoorHouse
said
What Have You Got !Absolutely Nothing..Huh!
Like previously mentioned
all he's doing is
buying votes.
Our economy is so stretched
they want the grandparents
to use the only money they have left to help the grandkids finance their first new homes.
How sad is that...
Chris in Freddy
said
Posters here need to be educated on the issues & the facts. Think about things rationally people not just random "you can't trust that guy" or "he's buying votes". Somehow it's different when the Libs or NDP promise money but not the Blues???? Get real. Dion can't even explain his Green plan well himself. That says a lot about his grasp of how it will work. How does "diamond" Jack propose to pay for all his promises...I haven't heard anything about that yet.
Politics is all about winning votes with policies that are realistic and tangible to everyday Canadians. It's frustrating to hear people talk about $750 like that means nothing. Paternal & Maternal leave for the self employed..how is that not a positive thing? Before they had no options at least now there is one. I've paid into EI for 20 years with nothing in return. If it encourages my wife to start her buisness & then covers her while she's away ..what's wrong with that?
Name calling & mud-slinging in politics is not just for the politicians I guess.
BC Wet Coaster
said
> promise to buy you a house?
> It''s not about handouts. Is
> about doing small things that
> make it easier for Canadians to
> pursue dreams by WORKING
> TOWARDS THEM and not waiting
> for a nanny state government to
> GIVE THEM THINGS.
I have no idea what your rant is about since nowhere in my comment is there anything about handouts. I specifically made it clear that throwing a few dollars isn't going to mean anything when the cost of securing a loan for real estate is at least half a million dollars. It might as well be a coupon for Pizza Hut - it will make the same difference.
> Strange concept eh? Its called a
> WORK ETHIC.
Again, more rant, and very much off topic.
> Add the $750 dollars to the
> rest of your tax return. If you
> put even a small amount away
> each year your tax return will
> amount to .... a vacation, a
> home improvement, .
Return? What is a return? I pay over 42% in income tax each year and I *always* wind up owing. I am essentially paying one "handout" (as you so politely stated) family's yearly income.
And since when does a vacation cost $750?
> Look at the big picture people.
By the way, I am a supporter of the Conservatives. You made an ill-informed assumption that I was not.
Ed Samson
said
You folks are right, all politicians make promises during elections in order to win our vote. But those promises coming from Steve are FUNNY. It crackes me up to watch him stand in public and make such Left leaning promises with a straight face. This from a man who two short years ago essentialy stated that global warming didn't exist. I think I also read somewhere that he believes the Creation theory. And guns don't kill either!
Some Perspective
said
As to Harper living up to what he's stated, that's also debatable. Currently, we cannot get over the Liberal issue which is tainting us all and therefore see the good that Harper has put forth. None of the bad.
-Accidentally leaking government documents
-Slowly moving to an Americanized style of government (ie. Amending bills onto other bills, fixed election dates, elected senate, etc.)
-Slowly removing personal freedoms that we as citizens take for granted (all for the sake of the majority of course)
I used to be an avid believer in the Progressive Conservatives. I personally always hated the reform party as they leaned far more to American life style than I was comfortable with.
As for the Auto industry, I used to work in that industry and let me tell you that it's a little too late for this. Auto companies have been going to the federal government for years attempting to work something out. Only now that an election is upcoming and they see it as a vote grab do they promise something.
I now work in Supply Chain for retail, and let me tell you that all the businesses ate the profit on the GST drop. There may be the few exemptions, but the vast majority did.
And if you honestly think that Harper hasn't done anything similar to the Scandal that we seem so unwilling to forget, you have another thing coming. Every single governing body has done it, will continue to do it. That's the way the system works.
Roger T
said
I've noticed that these campaigns keep bringing up the old issues from the last elections. Let's move on to new issues without bringing up the old. It's not gonna fool anyone.
MJ
said
Discerning Voter
said
That's what ordinary Canadians have to do everyday.
Stephen Harper has it right-
Reduce taxes whenever you can and give tax breaks- even if modest - direct to Canadians not organizations who have priorities that don't mesh with the values of most Canadians.
The "greenshift" is only a shift of greenbacks from our pockets- to the government and then to special interests.
The middle class is always just above the cut-off line for reductions and income tax mitigation.
Remember Day Care- giving money direct to parents to manage rather than an institution? What a novel idea. Maybe we can manage our own money better than a Government bureaucracy.
We're better off with Harper!!
Ottawa Discontented Voter
said
And they all do it.
No wonder I am turned off from voting. It's the same slop, different troughs.
Mike Webster
said
ABC all the way
said
After the second decrease, I went a week to add up what the cut saved me (assuming the businesses had not raised their prices) and estimated that I saved about 80 cents.
No thanks. I would have rather kept the Liberal income tax cut...and the $400 that saved me.
ABC!!!
Linda in Vancouver
said
I hope Harper sticks to his general formula for using any budget surpluses.I see it as a reasonable compromise between people with conflicting ideas: one third for debt reduction,one third for lower taxes,and one third for increases in spending.
It's fair to say no party will get a unanimous policy platform on economics but the troubles in the USA should be a wake up call to anyone who thinks government debt is a good thing.We may be in for some very tough times,and,like our family,I think these times are easier if we aren't hamstrung by debt servicing costs.$30-40 billion dollars every year for the feds.Imagine what we could do if that money was available for real projects and programs.Or how that cost will escalate if interest rates go much higher than they are now.
Caution is prudent.No matter which party we finally vote for,there is NEVER any harm in reducing the national debt and it's associated costs.I will not vote for any party that fails to recognize this as fact.I do not want my children to have to pay our debt some time in the future.
Shawn
said
Keith in Brampton
said
In other words, here he goes, trying to buy us with our own money again.
Tom Hawley
said
I believe you meant to put .0015%.This number makes it more laughable.You will get to claim this on your tax return as a credit.This will be a lot less than the $750.00 voters are led to believe - that first time home buyers will receive the full amount in their pockets.
People you must read the whole story not just look at the cover.
Reek
said
Jason in Kelowna
said
Pathetic
said
Pathetic, rehashing of the same ol' ideas and calling it something different to resell it to us so we can vote them in and end up getting shafted again… Some parties could have a Monkey as a leader and the party supporters would still vote strictly Con. or Lib. no matter how foolish a promise is made.
Small meaningless short term vote buying is not what we need. WE NEED A HOPEFUL VISION for the future… not this relentless parade of clowns, tossing us stale candies that we had always hated.
I want a Canada that is clean, open, tolerant, compassionate and progressive. Money? Only creates the need for more money - a never ending cycle of greed and corruption follows money.
DM in NB
said
Nick in Gatineau
said
Get real politicians in there instead of the usual garbage and maybe Canadians will have true representation.
Rick in Alberta
said
The offer of a tax break to new home buyers is welcome and a long time coming. These are the sorts of inititatives that can help keep the wheels on the economy.
Kam Lo
said
Mike S
said
Artur K
said
Wow what a difference. Stop throwing our own change back at us.
Robert
said
Wallace
said
Vince M
said
Kevin in Toronto
said
Andy in Cambridge
said
"I don't believe him. He promises lots of things; he never delivers them."
I don't understand how you think Harper hasn't delivered on any promises, he promised to cut the GST, it's now at 5%. 1 Harper promise delivered. He promised to get tough on Crime, the Tackling Violent Crime Act was passed. And the list goes on and on
Bee
said
John (aka I'm going to pass on this election)
said
At least the red book was a clearly articulated policy issued before an election to tell the voters for what they were voting. You might not have agreed with the red book because I'm sure your mind has narrowed around the conservative whatever they may bring. Now I'm not saying the red book was good or bad and I know all was not delivered as promised. However, today all we get from our so called leaders is sound bites and policy pieced mealed out day by day depending how the wind blows. Apparently this is what Canadians want "hidden policies". All parties are doing it now. The only coherent piece of policy out there today is the so called "Green Shift" and whether you agree with it or now at least someone had the guts to put forth a vision for all comer to voice their opinions. By the way I do like the "Green Shift." Elections should be about issues, where parties stand on them. No one expects the parties to blindly adhere to every policy because situations keep changes, however, election should not be about "puffins" and "Warm and fuzzy sweaters". For me.. I'm sick of them one and all.
GC
said
Stop blaming the Government for your woes...
MetroMan, Red Deer
said
OK socialist bend people - government can not save you from Global market changes, only you can. Stay informed and then go do something about it yourself. Government is not a baby-sitter.
Harper understands this and is trying to help out best that government can.
Kudo
said
Go Harper Go. You got three votes from all members of my family!
Ontario Taxpayer
said
Just a thought.
Metro Man, Red Deer
said
Wise Wajid
said
Justin
said
It's impossible for us to control labor costs in Mexico.
Metro Man, Red Deer
said
Marcel
said
kate
said
Mike in Calgary
said
Davey boy
said
George in Brampton
said
Go ahead get your loan, put in new windows etc. and to boot you have a 10000.00 debt to pay. Don't make sense to me.
al from calgary
said
As for Layton his idea of saving your jobs is to tax your employer more. That's just brilliant. You would have lost your job a lot sooner.
Cameron in Deux-Montagnes
said
Hmm.... you are starting to sound a lot like some posters who go by other names but rehash the same old argument. I am beginning to wonder if a 'few of you' are working out of the Tory Operational Bunker...
On the other hand, I am not. Nor am I working for or have bought/donated to any party. I lean towards one because, having lived coast to coast and in four different provinces I have seen the effects of majority governments (I am NOT a fan of one). As for this first time home buyer mallarcky, why not focus on interest rates to help everyone? What about the millions of people who rent who can't afford to get the down deposit needed? What has Harper et al done for the little guy? A 2% GST cut only really helps when buying big ticket items. I am tired of the pandering to wealthy Canadians - it's time to do something for the average and low-income Canadians.
Jon Brown
said
Pierre Perreault
said
ABC Anything but the conservatives!!!
To Metro Man, Red Deer
said