IN TOUCH WITH MP EARL DREESHEN
April 13, 2017
I hope everyone is able to enjoy the Easter Holiday with loved ones. I am looking forward to spending the next two weeks in the riding as Parliament takes a constituency break. But before that, there are a few items of local interest that I wanted to update you on.
Sheraton Celebrity Dance Off Huge Success
My wife Judy and I were honoured to attend the 2017 Sheraton Celebrity Dance Off. It is incredible to see the community come together for this annual event and support worthy community causes. This year they raised money for the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre and Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre.
On behalf of the community I would like to thank the tireless organizers and this year’s tremendous partner Sheldon Kennedy. The event also featured incredible support from celebrity guest judges, Conservative Party Interim Leader Rona Ambrose, professional bull rider Cody Snyder, and CFL star Rob Cote. Congratulations to the winners this year Karen Goranson and Mr. Dale Tosczak.
Deferred Cash Purchase Tickets for Grain Growers
The Liberals have announced in the recent budget that they will be seeking feedback on the grain growers cash ticket deferral program with an eye on eliminating it.
The tickets allow grain farmers flexibility to deal with the unpredictable nature of the business. There are many factors beyond their control including weather, international prices and transportation of goods. Stakeholder “consultations” will be open until May 24th. It is important to make your voice heard if losing this program will affect your farm by emailing consultation_tax_2017@canada.ca and copying my office at earl.dreeshen.c1@parl.gc.ca.
Carbon Tax Survey
Recently the Red Deer Chamber of Commerce released the results to their carbon tax survey which sought feedback from their member businesses. The results showed that 75 % of businesses are seeing higher costs from vendors and suppliers due to the new tax. The result is higher prices for consumers, declining investments, and reduced hours, wages, and positions for staff. More results from the survey can be found here www.reddeerchamber.com/news/details/chamber-releases-results-of-carbon-tax-survey
This is a result of the $20 price on carbon from the Government of Alberta. Within a few years, Justin Trudeau’s Liberals will be hiking the tax to $50 per tonne and would have to rise to $220 per tonne to meet the Liberal Government’s commitment to 2030 and would have to raise to $300 by 2050.
Mobile Office Update
For the next Mobile Office I will be in Elnora at the Library from 10-12 and in Delburne at the Municipal Office from 1-3 pm on April 19th. Please feel free to bring any questions or comments to me and my staff at that time.