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"Scugog's Community Newspaper of Choice" PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, February 29, 2000 - 3 Tax cuts good news for Canadians Tax cuts and an injection of cash into Canada's health- care systems were among the highlights from the federal government's 2000 budget announced yesterday after- noon. And, while the majority of folks across the country may have let out a sigh of relief after the announcement of income tax cuts, Durham MP Alex Shepherd said last week that the trimming of taxes was all part of his Liberal government's overall plans. "It was part of a long-term process," he said Friday afternoon, a few days before Finance Minister Paul Martin released the details of the 2000 budget. "When we came into office in 1993-1994 we said we were going to balance the books first, then cut taxes. The province of Ontario and Mike Harris cut taxes first, and they're still trying to balance their books, which is a back- wards way of doing things because they have to borrow the money to make the ends meet because they cut the taxes. "I think we are running on all cylinders; we cut taxes, we're working on debt reduction, and we've invested more money into the healthcare systems." Those in the middle-income bracket, earning between $30,000 and $60,000 per year, should benefit the most from the tax cuts, said Mr. Shepherd. "More money will be put into the pockets of the mid- dle-income earners. Those people, like a lot of people Heavy fines await huts not removed From Page 1 than 20-inches in some spots now." Due to the poor ice conditions, MNR officials didn't get a chance to get out on the lake until February, but they made up for time lost. Seventy seven charges have been laid on Lake Scugog so far this year, and of those, 21 were license violations for either not having a license or not carrying it. Seventeen anglers were fined for having more than their two-line limit, and 34 people were charged for snowmobile or all- terrain vehicle infraction. License fines range from $50 to $125; a ticket for $50 is written for each extra-line a fisherman has; and vehicle charges run up to $125. _ Anglers occupying an un-numbered hut each received a $185 ticket, and for those who leave their hut on the ice after the March | deadline will be fined $185 per day it's on the ice. "The fines really depend on the circumstances. If they're a day or two late, we'll give them the $185 ticket. If they leave the hut with lots of garbage around it, frozen into the lake, or if they've tried to burn it to cover their tracks then it'll be an automatic court summons." Ministry officials have already been out scouting the ice, looking for potential troublesome huts. "We have been proactive; getting out there and getting the numbers of huts we think may be a problem when the time comes to bring them in. We're hopeful that they all come off, the ice is still pretty thick." General Bearing Service Inc. New Whitby Location 10 Sunray St., Unit 16 BEARINGS, BELTS, SEALS For all makes of Tractors, Lawnmowers, Snowmobiles, Snowblowers and Cars Call (985) 668-9400 r 1-886-627-5082 here in Durham Region, have put a downpayment on future (tax) cuts over the years, and, while we're being modest now with our cuts and living within our budget, this will be the first in a series of reductions in the future. "The people of Canada can count on more money in their pay cheque." The tax cut will work out to approximately $800 a year for a family of four with two working adults. "It's not a lot of money, but the important part is that it's a start. People can start counting on that extra money each year, and, as we continue to reduce the taxes, they'll realize that we're getting off their backs and giving them more money." The tax cuts will cost the government more than $3 bil- lion and could include "possible small reductions in busi- inter Clearance SALE ness taxes," said Mr. Shepherd. "(Canada) is not an attractive place to do business because of its taxes. Businesses should consider stock options or something else to keep their employees. We're losing too many people, especially those in the high-tech industry, to places like the United States." Also expected to be announced in the budget was a $2.1 billion increase in transfer payments to the provinces for healthcare. "There will be more money issued for healthcare, but all we do is crack the cheques out, it is up to the provinces to invest it wisely," Mr. Shepherd said. "I think there is a need to use the new high-tech equipment we have more effectively and efficiently... money's not going to solve all the problems." Friday, March 3 at 9:30am to Sunday, March 12, 2000 Our fall and winter inventory of selected women's, men's and kids' fashions and footwear. EVERYTHING MUST GO!!! AEROSOLES --_---- TO OUR VALUED CUSTOMERS PLEASE NOTE: WE WILL NOT BE HOLDING AN UPSTAIRS SALE THIS SEASON. ALL MERCHANDISE IS BEING CLEARED ON THE MAIN FLOOR DURING THIS SALE. Don't forget to use your Brock's Gold Card to save on most Spring arrivals! ALL SALES FINAL recs DREOCIKS fet Kids 168 - 178 Queen Street, Port Perny BR2CKS On fO« 905-985-2521