Press Room
Federal Budget
Poorly targeted measures, according to Option consommateurs
Ottawa, January 27th, 2009 –
Although the budget includes some measures that will benefit people with low-incomes Option consommateurs believe that the Conservative budget does not adequately protect the purchasing power of consumers.
The government plans to spend 1.5 billion dollars for the provision of training for laid-off workers and also increases the duration of benefits available from employment insurance. But, Option consommateurs maintain that the Government does not go far enough to support the unemployed. The consumer advocacy organisation had hoped that the budget would put more money into the pockets of the unemployed by increasing the amount of Employment Insurance benefits.
The budget relies heavily on tax cuts but these will have no effect for people with low incomes. Option consommateurs would have preferred to see an increase in GST credits so that low income families could benefit. "The government must protect those most vulnerable," said Anu Bose, Head of the Ottawa office of Option consommateurs.
On January 13, Option consommateurs met with the Conservative MP James Rajotte and several other Conservative MPs and submitted its recommendations for the federal budget. In addition to increasing the provision of employment insurance, Option consommateurs had recommended that the government double the GST credit and increase the guaranteed income supplement for low income seniors. "This would have been the most effective way to stimulate the economy by protecting the purchasing power of low-income consumers" said Ms Bose.
Option consommateurs welcome legislation that will require greater transparency on the part of credit card companies in the changes in interest rates. But, “we have had no inkling as to how these regulations will be implemented. We trust that the government will consult in a meaningful way with consumers’ groups who have been calling for regulation of all financial institutions especially credit card companies for a very long time” she concluded.
Founded in 1983, Option consommateurs is a non-profit organization dedicated to the defence and promotion of consumers’ rights. It has undertaken over thirty class action suits. Its primary interests are in issues related to energy, food, financial services and business practices. In 2008, Option consommateurs opened an office in Ottawa to better represent consumers’ interests to the Federal government and to legislators.
Information:
Anu Bose
Head, Ottawa Office
Option consommateurs
613 244-2111
The government plans to spend 1.5 billion dollars for the provision of training for laid-off workers and also increases the duration of benefits available from employment insurance. But, Option consommateurs maintain that the Government does not go far enough to support the unemployed. The consumer advocacy organisation had hoped that the budget would put more money into the pockets of the unemployed by increasing the amount of Employment Insurance benefits.
The budget relies heavily on tax cuts but these will have no effect for people with low incomes. Option consommateurs would have preferred to see an increase in GST credits so that low income families could benefit. "The government must protect those most vulnerable," said Anu Bose, Head of the Ottawa office of Option consommateurs.
On January 13, Option consommateurs met with the Conservative MP James Rajotte and several other Conservative MPs and submitted its recommendations for the federal budget. In addition to increasing the provision of employment insurance, Option consommateurs had recommended that the government double the GST credit and increase the guaranteed income supplement for low income seniors. "This would have been the most effective way to stimulate the economy by protecting the purchasing power of low-income consumers" said Ms Bose.
Option consommateurs welcome legislation that will require greater transparency on the part of credit card companies in the changes in interest rates. But, “we have had no inkling as to how these regulations will be implemented. We trust that the government will consult in a meaningful way with consumers’ groups who have been calling for regulation of all financial institutions especially credit card companies for a very long time” she concluded.
Founded in 1983, Option consommateurs is a non-profit organization dedicated to the defence and promotion of consumers’ rights. It has undertaken over thirty class action suits. Its primary interests are in issues related to energy, food, financial services and business practices. In 2008, Option consommateurs opened an office in Ottawa to better represent consumers’ interests to the Federal government and to legislators.
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Information:
Anu Bose
Head, Ottawa Office
Option consommateurs
613 244-2111
