Ontario`s families are the environment in which our future generation is raised. Research shows a very strong correlation between a strong, stable Traditional 2-parent home life, and children who are happier, healthier, less likely to be involved in addictions, criminal activity , and are more likely to be independent, self reliant , and not needing to depend on government programs.
Strong, independent families raising the next generation will lead to a stronger Ontario. For this reason policies must encourage families to make decisions that are best for them, not best for the government.
In the last 30 years this has not been so. Institute for Marriage and Family Canada, through Stats Canada information, identifies that present government policy and taxation discriminate against the family, preventing them from choosing what is best for them, putting families in higher risk of family breakdown - contributing to increased poverty levels and dependence on social assistance, in addition to contributing to placing our next generation in an environment where it will be more difficult to succeed.
A practical example of government policy limiting choices, is the present provincial government policy related to childcare. After a maternity/paternity leave, parents need to decide how they will raise and nurture the child. Present government policy says this: "you go back to work and we will provide a daycare tax credit." Alternative choices for raising children are not on the government radar, nor are they hinted at by provincial government policies. However research continually demonstrates that children raised in a stable, traditional, 2-parent, nurturing environment perform better in school, are less likely to be involved in drugs, and alcohol abuse, become self reliant and less dependent on government programs. A stable nurturing environment is more effectively achieved when one, or both spouses reduces their workload to put time and effort into raising and nurturing the child(ren). This is understood and accepted by most, but often forgotten by government.
FCP does not propose one method for raising children. However, government policies must provide choice and balance, encouraging families to make decisions about child care and other family related issues that are best for them - not limited by government policy.
For the above reasons FCP would institute the following policies that support the environment in which children are raised:
Income splitting up to $60,000: Income splitting has the potential of reducing the tax burden of families raising children by up to $1200. This, along with other considerations, encourages some families to consider the option of one spouse reducing their work load to put time into raising and nurturing their children, or to care for an aging senior member.
Choices for Child Care: FCP policies would encourage families to choose the form of childcare that is best suited for them. If going back to work is the best for the family, then there will be a daycare tax credit. If the family chooses to sacrifice to have one spouse remain home more to raise and nurture the children, then FCP would provide a similar-value daycare tax credit. If there is a family member living down the street who chooses to help by offering to care for the children while the parents are at work, they deserve the tax credit.
Extended Family Care: tax rebate for renovations (e.g. granny suite) made to existing homes to accommodate for an aging family member encouraging families to care for their own.
Family Building Courses: If we want to strengthen families to reduce family breakdown we must encourage families to invest in themselves. Just as we encourage people to take self-improvement courses, or community college courses, often with the benefit of a tax credit, we will encourage families to invest in their relationships through community seminars designed to improve family relations; marriage seminars and family finances.
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