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•Th e IFP• H alton H ills, Thursday, M ay 22, 2014 7 • Truck Accessories • Upholstery • Heavy Equipment Glass •Window Tinting 354 Guelph Street, Georgetown 905-873-1655 We handle all insurance work. • your window & door professionals • 341 Guelph St., Unit 3 Georgetown 905.873.0236 www.buy-wise.ca info@buy-wise.ca • awarded readers choice 22 times • Visit our showroom got .com LocalcommunityCROWDFUNDING Getyourproject fundednow! fund them locally. COMMENT Government focussed on jobs The Government of Canada is fo- cused on creating jobs and economic growth for all Canadians. In fact, Canada has the best job creation record in the G-7 group of major economies, creating more than one million net new jobs since the glob- al recession of 2009. Of these jobs, more than 90 per cent are full-time, and more than 75 per cent are in the private sector. These results are garnering international attention. Last month, The New York Times reported that Canada's middle class is now one of the most affluent in the world, pulling ahead of the U.S. and Europe. Canadian middle class incomes, once signifi- cantly behind the U.S. in 2000, are now ahead. The Times highlighted data from the Luxemburg Income Study (LIS). Based on a number of surveys done over the last 35 years, Canadian middle class after-tax incomes have increased more rapidly than in oth- er countries since 2000, a result of wage increases, interest and stock dividends and federal tax reductions. The LIS data demonstrates that the government's economic plan is work- ing. The government has invested heavily in local infrastructure and controlled spending (the federal budget is on track to balance in six months), while growing transfers that support heath care, education and retirement. As a result, Canada is one of the few countries in the world with a triple-A credit rating and leads the G-7 in job creation, income growth and low federal debt. The government understands that keeping taxes low contributes to eco- nomic prosperity. That is why the government, despite the global reces- sion of 2009, continued to deliver Ca- nadian families with tax relief. Since 2006, the Government has reduced the GST from seven to five per cent, created the Tax Free Savings Ac- count, reduced the lowest personal income tax rate and increased the ba- sic personal exemption, introduced income splitting for seniors and new tax credits and deductions. As a re- sult, the overall federal taxation is at its lowest level in 50 years. A typical Canadi- an family is now paying $3,200 less in federal tax every year compared to a decade ago. As the LIS data dem- onstrates, the after-tax incomes of Canadian middle-class families have increased signifi- cantly over the last de- cade, a result of wage increases and tax reduc- tions. As a consequence, the incomes of the Canadian middle class are now among the highest in the world, ahead of Sweden, Norway, Finland, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Britain and even the U.S. As the data demonstrates, Canada continues to lead at the internation- al level. However, the economy still faces significant risks from factors that we cannot control. This is why the government remains committed to staying focused on its economic plan. Canadian families work hard to make ends meet and make every dol- lar count. The Government of Can- ada is committed to working hard for Canadian families, by putting in place policies that foster economic growth and job creation. If you have any questions you can reach me by phone at (866) 878-5556 or by email at michael.chong@parl. gc.ca. -- Michael Chong is the MP for Wellington-Halton Hills MICHAEL CHONG The way we were Students at Park Public School in Georgetown further their learning with the addition of a television in the classroom from this photo from 1966. Image courtesy of the Esquesing Historical Society/Content Heritage Halton Hills A new learning tool 'We don't want our residents to be in limbo' -- Mayor Rick Bonnette... see story pg 5. Betty Anne Karn sent this photo of a sign of spring -- trilliums. They are protected only on property owned by conservation authorities and provincial parks. Got a photo you want to share? Email: cgamble@theifp.ca. SPRING DELIGHTS From our readers 'Quote unquote' Separation & Divorce mediation accredited mediators georgetown, brampton, bolton, mississauga, orangeville flexible hourswww.pccs.ca 905-567-8858 1-866-506-pccs (7227) reduce cost & conflict divorce with dignitY and Keep Your moneY in Your pocKet!