IN TOUCH WITH MP EARL DREESHEN
February 27, 2017
It was a busy beginning to the Spring Session in Ottawa for me and my colleagues, as we continue to fight against careless spending and tax increases while fighting for Canadians, their jobs, and economy. I am pleased to bring you an update on a couple of the highlights of the past few weeks below.
Alberta Jobs Taskforce
On February 27th I joined several of my colleagues in Edmonton as we released the Alberta Jobs Taskforce Report.
Since October, Conservative Alberta MPs have met with thousands of everyday Albertans from across the province to hear how the economic crisis has affected them. They have shared their ideas on how the Government can create jobs in Alberta and help those affected by this crisis. You can read the 11 recommendations and the full report here albertajobstaskforce.ca/en/report/
The report includes 11 recommendations containing immediate solutions to get Albertans back to work, as well as solutions for Alberta’s long-term economic prosperity.
I would like to thank the many Central Albertans who gave their time to contact my office or attend our discussions on the issues. Your input has helped shape our recommendations.
Liberal Party Cuts Pay for Soldiers Fighting ISIS
Recently, the Liberal government’s decided that Canadian troops in the fight against ISIS will lose a tax benefit which provides $1,500 to $1,800 per month. Fifteen soldiers at Camp Arifjian originally lost this benefit in September – after the issue was raised on multiple occasions by Conservative MPs the Liberals decided to end the benefit entirely for all Canadian troops stationed in Kuwait.
The men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces volunteer to leave their families as they travel abroad to perform dangerous work and put themselves at risk in service of their country. They miss important milestones like birthdays, anniversaries, and graduations.
This decision was made after the troops had agreed to deploy. In cutting this benefit, the Liberals have cheated our troops and their families out of hard earned money that they expected, counted upon, and deserve.
Given that this Liberal government continues to rack up record deficits, it is absolutely astonishing that the one place they would choose to pinch pennies is on the backs of the hard working men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces.
Conservatives have been listening to the families of those affected. We have raised this issue on multiple occasions. Justin Trudeau has no excuse for raising taxes on our troops. We call on the government to finally do its job, reverse this abhorrent decision, and support the brave men and women who stand on guard for all of us.
Mobile Office Update
Our next Mobile Office will be on Tuesday February 28. I will be in Bowden from 10-noon at the Town Office and at the Penhold Library from 1-3. Please feel free to bring any questions, comments or concern.
Sincerely your Member of Parliament,
Earl Dreeshen