It has been a busy fall in Ottawa for MP Kevin Sorenson. As Minister of State for Finance he has been part of some major announcements in regards to tax changes, however Canada’s response to the crisis in Iraq has dominated parliament.
There was vigorous debate in the House of Commons last week as to Canada’s response to the aggression of the Islamic State of Iraq and Al-ASham (ISIS). In the end, the government passed a motion that allows Canadian CF 18's to undertake air strikes to curb the group.
Sorenson said he has heard support from the area for this decision.
“The calls heard in my constituency offices are saying they can watch a beheading on the Internet if they want. The media is telling these stories and showing what ISIS is doing,” said Sorensen. “They (ISIS) have moved into a big territory in Iraq and Syria and are coming up against Turkey. It is really like a rouge caliphate that has said ‘we are the government and we’re taking over.’”
“We believe we need to respond and we need to respond with our allies. We are committed not to put boots on the ground, but to do part of this overall strategy. We have been asked to do air strikes.”
He says Canada’s commitment does go beyond simply air strikes.
“We are going to have some refueling capacity and there will be a few other things we may end up doing on maintenance and reconnaissance flights,” he said.
“We want to stand up and by far the majority of people are thanking us for it.”
Amid the talk of air strikes, the government last week also made a significant announcement in regards to a tax break for families.
Prime Minister Harper announced the intention of the government to double the Children’s Fitness Tax Credit.
“The Prime Minister always asks questions with any kind of tax change, like ‘how does this affect families?’ One of the things that has been a pleasant surprise is his focus on families and delivering for them,” said Sorenson. "Doubling the fitness tax credit is certainly going to be a help for families.”
The Children’s Fitness Tax Credit was first in place in 2006. When the changes are implemented, the credit will go up to $1,000. They expect the enhancements to benefit 850,000 families.
“Parents know that regular exercise is a key part of their children’s development and gets them started on a lifetime of healthy, active living. Our Government recognizes the impact that expenses for sports activities can have on families, particularly those with lower incomes. That is why we are following through on our promise to enhance this tax credit by doubling the maximum amount and making it refundable,” said Harper upon the announcement.
Sorenson says there are many benefits to encouraging activity.
“We know it is going to fight obesity, and keep health care costs low,” he said.
The change does not extend to the Children’s Art Tax Credit.
This announcement came weeks after Sorenson announced a plan to lower EI premiums for small businesses.
The Small Business Job Credit lowers the current legislated rate that small business pays EI benefits from $1.88 to $1.60 per $100 of insurable earnings. He explains the EI fund has increased significantly over the last few years.
“Now it (EI Fund) is coming to surplus, so now we want to lower it for small and medium sized businesses,” he said.
Harper was back in his riding for the Thanksgiving Holiday. While next week there is a break, he will be speaking in Winnipeg, Brandon, Prince Albert, and Melfort.
