Wednesday, March 28, 2007 · Page 3 Federal budget "good for our community", says Essex MP BY ANDY COMBER Local municipal and county leaders have not had much time to examine the federal budget, which was released March 19, but when they do, they're going to like it, says Essex MP Jeff Watson. Canada. Watson said the federal government has already committed to contributing 50 per cent of the cost of building the new bridge and the infrastructure to serve it, and bear 100 per cent of the cost of land acquisition. "A clear plan with a downpayment sends a clear message to investors," said Watson. Local municipal and county leaders have been keeping constant pressure on the border crossing issue with both the provincial and federal governments. "I've only been able to briefly review the federal budget," said Essex Warden Nelson Santos, who just finished hearing the details of the provincial budget at a meeting in Windsor last Friday. "It would have been good to have a meeting like this on the federal budget," he said. Santos welcomed news of the $400 million announced for the new border crossing, which is considered essential for the health of the county's agricultural industry, a major part of the region's economy. "We're just trying to find out where they will spend it," he said. Watson said details on the border funding would be made available soon. With respect to agriculture, Watson said the federal budget announced an immediate one-time payment of $400 million to help farmers address the rising costs of production. In addition, the government plans to introduce a simpler income stabilization program for farmers with a new savings account program to be cost-shared on a 60-40 basis with the provinces and territories. A one-time payment of $600 million will help build new accounts, said Watson, noting that the original Agricultural Canadian Income Stabilization (CAIS) program "was not meeting the needs of producers." Farm organizations have expressed some satisfaction in regards to the federal budget. "Farmers look to the federal budget as an indicator of the awareness the federal government has of the issues facing our industry, and the government's commitment to addressing those issues," said Bob Friesen, Canadian Federation of Agriculture president. "I think this budget indicates a good understanding and a real step forward in addressing some of the issues." There has been less satisfaction in the federal budget from the automotive industry and its labour leaders, including CAW president Buzz Hargrove. Hargrove was critical of the federal budget, including a new green levy starting at $1,000 on "gas guzzlers" that will replace the excise tax on heavy vehicles. "Instead of providing an incentive to made-inCanada green automotive products that would strengthen our most important industry, the Vehicle Efficiency Incentives will instead open the door even wider to imports from countries which limit access to their markets," said Hargrove, in a March 20 statement on the budget. Watson said environmental issues brought about a number of the budget measures affecting the automotive industry, including a performance-based rebate program that provides $2,000 for the purchase of a new fuel-efficient or efficient alternative-fuel vehicle. The government is also providing $36 million over the next two years to help get older polluting vehicles off the road. "The public wants action on the environment," said Watson, who said much of the pollution problems are caused by our vehicles and travel habits. "We have to find a solution," he said, noting that the government is working with the auto caucus, of which he is a member, to implement the programs fairly while still addressing environmental concerns. Watson said another benefit to the local community was the rebate of GST back to the school boards. "That means $600,000 to the Greater Essex County School Board," said Watson, who believes the budget is significant for working families. Ottawa announced the Working Income Tax Benefit of up to $1,000 per year for families or $500 for individuals, to help people over the "welfare wall" and strengthen incentives to work for more than 1.2 million low-income Canadians. Watson said the government also plans to introduce income splitting for seniors. In addition, the age credit amount will be increased by $1,000 to $5,066 for anyone over 65. For All Your Financial & Insurance Needs... See Us Today! 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Watson said the two cents per litre from the gas tax fund has provided $2 million for the county municipalities for infrastructure, and the increase to five cents per litre would result in "$5 million for Essex County in four years." "It is good for our community," he said. Speaking about essential infrastructure for the region, Watson said the federal budget illustrates Ottawa's commitment to a third border crossing. "There is a $400-million downpayment - with more to come," said Watson, speaking of this area's share of the Building Canada Fund, part of the $6 billion being invested in gateways and border crossings across 0-5:30 MON-FRI 8:3 0 -2:0 SAT 9:00 Lawn & Garden Equipment Sales & Service Spring Tune ups from $59.95 NEW EQUIPMENT NOW IN STOCK 35 Victoria Ave., Essex, ON ex CookHo he Ess use T 519-776-8778 Open Good Friday 11:00 am - 8:00 pm Beer Battered Fish & Chip Pickerel Dinner Breaded Perch Dinner (the above includes soup or salad) 9 $ 13.95 $ 12.95 $ .95 EASTER BRUNCH - Bacon, Eggs, Turkey, Ham, Potato, Sausage, Pasta, Fruit & Vegetable Display, Dessert, coffee, tea and much more. $ 14.95 19 Laird Avenue, Essex 519-776-5469