Local MP satisfied by cuts

Yorkton-Melville Member of Parliament Garry Breitkreuz believes the cost-cutting measures implemented in his government's federal budget last week will benefit this region in the long run.

The Conservative government's 2012 federal budget introduced on March 29 will cut spending by $5.2 billion and eliminate more than 19,000 government jobs over the next three years.

"I think the general direction of the budget, in keeping taxes low and keeping the economy strong is the best thing we can do for our constituency," said Breitkreuz in an interview on Friday. "Things are going quite well economically for us, and just to maintain that steady course here I think is going to be really, really helpful."

The most controversial change coming out of the budget is likely the raise in the age of eligibility for Old Age Security from 65 to 67.

"Something had to be done," said Breitkreuz, arguing that the OAS program would have otherwise been unsustainable.

The effect of the change on low-income seniors can be managed, said the MP.

"Because this is going to be phased in gradually beginning in 2023, it gives people enough time to prepare for this. And that's not the only benefit program: we also have CPP, which continues to remain strong."

But the government delayed revisions to the MPs' own heavily taxpayer-subsidized pensions until after the next election: something that has raised the ire of watchdog groups such as the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.

Breitkreuz responds that MPs have already made sacrifices on their pensions.

"I think people are unaware that we've already been doing that. I asked some people in Yorkton if they know that three years ago already we have taken a hit, and for me personally it's very substantial-and they weren't even aware of that."

"I think we have already set the example," added the MP.

Canadian Taxpayers Federation Prairie Director Colin Craig disagrees with that assessment.

"My understanding is that the plans went from 'extra extra' golden to 'extra' golden the last time changes were made," he told Yorkton This Week. "However, it's still the most generous plan in the country and far more lucrative than what the average Joe is able to save."

Regarding the cuts made to the public sector, Breitkreuz insists that the people who benefit from affected programs "should see very little change."

Other critics have argued that, following the government dramatic spending increases since 2006, last week's cuts don't go far enough. To them, Breitkreuz stresses a need to "maintain a balance."

"If you cut too drastically and too quickly, you could actually have a negative effect on the economy. But by doing it gradually, people continue to invest, you can keep taxes low, and that's very important."

The government is on track to deliver a balanced budget within approximately three years, added Breitkreuz.