With the federal government poised to bring down a budget at the end of this month, many people are talking about the best way for the country’s elected officials to prop up the faltering economy — but that’s not what’s top of mind for Ian Black.
“I’d like to see them do something more for pensioners because pensioners are the only ones that have a bad deal and they can’t strike,” said the 71-year-old Orangeville resident.
“They don’t give us any more money in our pensions, they ought to give us as much in return in kind — things like completely free bus and travel, and … help on town taxes.”
Linda Mayfield of Amaranth agrees with Black that Ottawa has to dedicate more resources to helping out the over 65 set.
“(More) housing for seniors — you look at other countries and they have a better deal — or free bus passes for seniors,” she said. “Young people think ‘That doesn’t affect me.’ But it will eventually.”
Federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty has hinted that when the Conservative government tables its budget on Jan. 27 it will contain a strong focus on infrastructure funding, upgrading the employment insurance program and deeper income tax cuts — even if that means running a deficit.
And that’s OK with Dennis Hutzul and Bruce Verney.
Hutzul said he’s not concerned about having a balanced budget in these tough economic times, so long as the money is being spent wisely.
“Let’s make sure we eliminate stupid spending and I don’t use that word lightly,” said the Orangeville resident.
One wise way to spend the money, he said, would be to give the beleaguered car manufacturers a boost.
“I think the big thing right now is the automotive sector,” he said, “Canada and the U.S. are the only two countries in the world that do not protect against auto imports. It’s gonna cost us if the Big Three (North American car manufacturers) go under.”
Hutzul, who is approaching 60, said the government should also invest in high-tech retraining programs for those who’ve lost their jobs, or are likely to lose their jobs, as a result of the economic slump.
Another area worth investing in, he said, is the development of a solid energy plan.
“I’d like to see a clear energy policy because nobody knows where that’s going,” he said.
Verney, meanwhile, said he’s fine with the government running a deficit and cutting taxes as long as the money is being used to stimulate the economy.
“I don’t think it’s a bad thing to (have a deficit),” said the 25-year-old. “I think it’s a good thing if they spend money to support the economy.”
Orangeville Mayor Rob Adams is hoping that some of the federal cash that gets handed out will be spent on municipal infrastructure such as roads and bridges — and he’s written a letter to Flaherty asking for just that.
“Our community is ready to create jobs locally, but we need money to do it. We have many infrastructure projects that are not currently in our 2009 capital plan, but with new federal support, we could begin these projects in the coming year, and create new jobs,” Adams wrote. “We would also request that the minister of finance arrange for additional federal investment in infrastructure to be provided to municipalities through the Federal Gas Tax program.”