Portage-Lisgar M.P. Candice Hoeppner

Portage-Lisgar MP Candice Hoeppner says the federal budget makes some bold moves in an effort to deal with Canada's long term interests.  One of those measures includes raising the eligibility age for old age security to 67 from the current 65 beginning in 2023.  Hoeppner says the move is something all of us can effectively plan for.   Hoeppner points out that Canadians will also be given the choice of retiring up to five years later and cash in on higher O.A.S. payments.  That option will start July 1, 2013.

Canadians will also soon be able to return to Canada with more duty free merchandise after spending a day of shopping in the U.S. Duty-free cross-border shopping limits will rise this summer to $200 for 24-hour trips and $800 for trips of 48 hours or more.  Hoeppner says she doesn't think this will hurt local businesses operating near the border.  She notes the budget does provide support for small and medium-sized businesses by making E.I. premiums more stable and predictable, with annual increases limited to five cents. The small business hiring credit is also being extended for another year..

Communities hoping to spruce up some of their local facilities will also be able to access some funds for those projects as the federal budget has earmarked $150 million over two years for a new community infrastructure improvement fund.  Hoeppner says this is a brand new program that support repairs and improvements to existing community facilities.