Thoughts on BC Politics and More

The federal government is potentially wasting more than $22 billion of $81.6 billion in COVID recession spending ... because the assistance is not being adequately targeted to those in need , f inds a new study released today by the Fraser Institute, an independent, non - partisan Can adian public policy think - tank. “ More than one - in - four dollars (27.4 per cent) of the COVID - related spending analyzed is potentially being wasted due to a lack of targeting ,” commented Clemens. “ O ur research shows that billions are being borrowed to finance transfers to people whose need is at least questionable, and this at a time when Ottawa is running historic deficits ,” said Jason Clemens , Executive Vice President at the Fraser Institute and co - author of Federal Government Wasting Billions on Poorly Targeted Assistance . The study finds that a total of $22.3 billion of the federal government’s new program spending (CERB and CESB) and one - time payments linked to O ld...

USED WITH PERMISSION At the beginning of this month I referenced higher Canada Pension Plan (CPP) premiums, that will increase from 4.95%, up to 5.95%, gradually between 2019 and 2023, resulting in lower take home pay for many Canadians.   If you have been watching television, it is possible that you may have even come across commercials from the CPP Investment Board that state “you started saving for retirement with your first paycheque.” I have received complaints over the fact that a true savings account is one that citizens can voluntarily withdraw from, whereas CPP contributions do not offer this flexibility.  I have also received inquiries and comments about CPP and other federal government retirement programs.   And I have heard many comments over those recent increased CPP premiums. One common complaint, is that if a person does not live to 65, or not long after, the amount that can be transferred to spouse, after a lifetime of CPP contributions, is ...