Blake Richards, Conservative MP Banff-Airdrie was hoping the Federal Budget would bring more positive news for Albertans but alas he says it is a continuation of last year's doom and gloom.

"The massive Liberal spending, more tax increases coming our way, and massive deficits, that means taxes for our future children and grandchildren. Big spending and high taxing, it is really one of those things where they are nickel and diming people to death."

Richards says we can expect to see an increase of EI and CPP premiums, as well as an increase in alcohol/ tobacco taxes, public transit credit axed, as well as others.

Middle class Canadians will feel the biggest pinch, according to Richards, who says the removal of tax credits such as fitness, art, and transit all affect the pocket book of those trying to make ends meet. While maternity benefits were increased Richards is unsure who will actually benefit and does not believe the legislation meets the desires of the people who were seeking change to begin with.

"I don't think it's going to help the employees but is certainly not going to be helpful to businesses; who will have no certainty at all in terms of what that looks like when an employee does go on leave."

When it comes to positives, Richards, says on the surface things may look promising but it is all smoke and mirrors.Take investing in infrastructure for instance, Richards, says while part of the Liberal campaign was the promise of lots of jobs and economic activity many of these projects are years away and not helpful for those in need of work today.

"Look at Cochrane, it is the perfect example, there is a REAL need to deal with that intersection at 22 and 1A and that is not something we can do ten years from now that is something we need to do now."

Looking ahead, Richards, says he will continue to advocate on behalf of taxpayers and fighting all the way.

"This is a government that is going to be taking more taxpayers money and spending it on their own pet projects and padding their own nests with it and we will continue to stand up and fight against those tax increases and be the voice of taxpayers."

 

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