Errors and omissions

Dear editor: While one might expect a right wing slant from the Fraser Institute, they were downright misleading in an article published on Jan. 17. That’s not surprising, since the Fraser Institute is partly funded by self-serving Republicans such as the U.S. Koch brothers.

It is important to point out the errors and omissions in the article. Firstly, what the Fraser Institute refers to as a Canada Pension Plan (CPP) “tax”, is a contribution toward the employee’s own pension plan, not a tax. The more an individual contributes during their working years, the more they will receive when they retire. CPP will gradually go up over the next five years, and retirees will see a correspondingly larger pension cheque.

That means that employers will also pay more, with those increases being credited to their employee’s CPP amounts. As an employer for 37 years, I am pleased to contribute and know that many others share my hope that their employees will be better equipped to face retirement.

Secondly, the Fraser Institute failed to mention that “one-sizefits-all” tax credits for parents have not simply been eliminated — but replaced by a fairer, means tested Canadian Child Benefit (CCB). The majority of families now receive more than they did under the former government and the CCB has helped to bring 350 thousand children out of poverty.

Those who need it most receive more and those who need it least get less.

I recently spoke to a single mom with three young children who, thanks to the Canadian Child Benefit, is able to attend college to gain the skills she needs for a well-paying job – a story that is being played out across the country. Additionally, Bank of Canada Governor Stephen Poloz credits the Canada Child Benefit program with strengthening the economy, calling it “highly stimulative”, and one of the reasons Canada is experiencing significant economic growth and low unemployment.

The Fraser Institute is entitled to its opinion on these matters; however, I and many Canadians believe and experience otherwise. Connie Denesiuk

Summerland