I just found out I could contribute my opinions towards the next Federal budget (the Quebec budget just came out yesterday — too late for my feedback, but it does have some good things in it). At this government site, you can fill out a “pre-budget consultation” form indicating your interests and priorities for spending, tax breaks, etc. But only until February 28, so act now!
On the Spending priority, I made the following comment: “Increase aid for poor and developing nations. Specifically, 15% increase in foreign aid, moving towards a goal of 0.7% of GNI in aid by 2015.” Currently, our aid level is at 0.32% of GNI.
On the Personal tax priority, I said: “Increase Child Tax Benefit (to $5100) — help reduce child poverty in Canada.” Currently it will be $3240 in 2007, far short of what is needed by families below the poverty line.
I added, under Other priorities: “Drastic measures are needed on climate change. Increase fuel taxes to encourage reductions in car usage, and move towards more environmental cars (rebates on efficient vehicles, penalties on inefficient ones). Increased tax revenue must fund aggressive climate change initiatives and public transport.”
Feel free to copy my text, if you agree with it! And here is an essay by Gerry Barr, co-chair of Make Poverty History.
In other news, as of a few hours ago, we’re starting an election campaign in Quebec… Fun fun fun for the coming month (election March 26)!