Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo Liberal candidate Murray Todd says his party has a “really good” and “well costed out” platform.
“It’s extensive. It’s imaginative and it will involve no increase in taxes for low and middle income Canadians [or] for small and medium-sized businesses.”
Todd adds some plans for families include a $1,350 tax credit for caregivers of sick relatives, plus paid benefits for up to a six-month leave of absence from work that can be used in segments.
Doctors and nurses will be attracted to rural areas through forgiveness of student loans from $20,000-$40,000, he says.
Volunteer firefighters will get a $3,000 refundable tax credit, and Todd adds that if he’s elected as MP, he’ll investigate making payment of rural fire dues a mandatory obligation.
The Liberal candidate says he expects to be an activist who “sticks his nose into things” and raises issues.
He’ll work to widen the riding’s economic base, particularly in wood resources and tourism for areas outside of Kamloops, he explains.
The Liberals promise rural Internet “connectivity” within three years, funded by public auctions of broadband, Todd says, adding there will be a home renovation tax credit up to $13,500.
A freeze on the closing of rural postal boxes will be implemented, he says, adding about 55,000 across Canada were removed.
Education and adequate childcare is “a huge issue” for the Liberals, he notes.
“We’re going to put $500 million into childcare and childcare spaces the day after we’re elected to government, and over three years, that will rise to over $3 billion a year.”
Todd explains that money will come from rolling back the corporate tax breaks doled out by the Conservative government.
