From: WarningU2
Sent: March 30, 2017 10:27 PM
To: 'Karina.Gould@parl.gc.ca' <Karina.Gould@parl.gc.ca>
Subject: RE: Transit Tax Credit?
Sent: March 30, 2017 10:27 PM
To: 'Karina.Gould@parl.gc.ca' <Karina.Gould@parl.gc.ca>
Subject: RE: Transit Tax Credit?
Dear Karen Gould
Thank you for your reply.
I still have to disagree with the government’s position on this. The refund was one of the few I was able to take advantage of. It made the overcrowded and degraded service, at least monetarily palatable.
Sure I would take the train regardless of the credit … what other choice do I have?
No response required … but please be aware I am no longer a supporter of the Liberal party because of this position.
I voted for you and now regret it.
From: Karina.Gould@parl.gc.ca [mailto:Karina.Gould@parl.gc.
Sent: March 30, 2017 2:12 PM
To: WarningU2
Subject: RE: Transit Tax Credit?
Sent: March 30, 2017 2:12 PM
To: WarningU2
Subject: RE: Transit Tax Credit?
Dear Mr. W.
As the Member of Parliament for Burlington, I would like to thank you for reaching out to me regarding the elimination of the transit credit in Budget 2017.
The Public Transit Tax Credit, which was implemented in 2006, was intended to promote the use of transit. Evidence has shown that this credit has been ineffective in encouraging the use of public transit, as transit users would use transit with or without credit, or with reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Our Government is committed to public transit. Starting in 2016, Phase 1 of the Government’s infrastructure plan included $3.4 billion over three years to upgrade and improve public transit systems across Canada. As of March 8, 2017, 744 public transit projects have been approved, including 214 projects that will make public transit more accessible for people with disabilities. Investments made will expand 132 transit systems across the country and help communities acquire more than 1,000 new buses, among other improvements.
Through Budget 2017, the Government will provide $20.1 billion over 11 years to the provinces and territories for improved public transit. Budget 2017 will continue to strengthen the middle class by building stronger, better-connected communities through better public transit. This will provide shorter commute times and more efficient, better-integrated transit.
I would encourage you to read more about Budget 2017’s investments in infrastructure here.
I appreciate your concerns with regards to cost and will be sure to raise this issue within the context of our dialogue at the federal level on public transit and encouraging ridership. As someone who took the GO train to work when I commuted to my job in Toronto, I understand the impact this has on your household expenses.
Thank you again for taking the time to write to me regarding Budget 2017. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any more questions, comments or concerns on this or other issues of importance.
Sincerely,
Karina Gould,
Member of Parliament
Burlington
From: WarningU2
Sent: March 24, 2017 7:56 AM
To: Gould, Karina - M.P.
Subject: Transit Tax Credit?
Sent: March 24, 2017 7:56 AM
To: Gould, Karina - M.P.
Subject: Transit Tax Credit?
I was very disappointed to see this credit cancelled. As a regular commuter to Toronto on The GoTrain, the credit was a welcome relief. Public transit despite all the hyperbole, continues to be more expensive, over crowded and mismanaged i.e. the never ending construction at Burlington GoTrain station.
Please reconsider the decision to cancel the credit.
Please reconsider the decision to cancel the credit.
I would like the government to provide supporting evidence/documentation to support this: "Evidence has shown that this credit has been ineffective in encouraging the use of public transit, as transit users would use transit with or without credit, or with reducing greenhouse gas emissions." If anyone knows where it can be found, please enlighten me.
ReplyDeleteI heard back from mine!...
ReplyDeleteAlthough I share your concern about the removal of the tax credit, I think it’s important to note that our government has decided to reinvest the money to improve our public transit system. The tax credit was introduced to encourage more people to use transit, and the desired result was not achieved. We are therefore choosing to make ambitious investments in public transit projects that will shorten commutes, decrease air pollution, and allow Canadians to spend more time with their families – through an investment of 20.1 billion in public transit to be delivered over 11 years, in partnership with the provinces and territories.
I will be making an announcement with regards to transit funding in Oakville and Burlington later this week and will be happy to share the details with you about how Budget 2017 will make your commute better.
By investing in infrastructure now – in the projects Canada needs and the men and women who can build them – we can strengthen and grow the middle class and make Canada an even better place to call home.
Thank you for taking the time to write. Representing you and the constituents of Oakville North-Burlington is a great privilege and I appreciate you taking the time to engage in the political process.