TOUCHDOWN Flaherty: Tax-free fund to help disabled

Conservative Finance Minister Jim Flaherty reacted positively to an expert panel report that recommended Canadian families be allowed to amass up to $200,000 tax-free in a fund, similar to an RRSP, and use the money to help with the costs of caring for disabled children.

Asked about the recommendation by the Globe and Mail, Flaherty said: "I would be surprised if that weren't in the budget." It earned a positive story that will be good news for the parents of disabled children this holiday season.

It showed that Flaherty is willing to listen. And it didn’t damage the initiative. If anything, the positive support Flaherty and his government are likely to hear as a result of the article will probably only increase the chances of it happening.

And besides, it will be in the news again – another communications plus – when the budget is actually announced. Since there was no downside to his honest reaction, the Finance Minister earned a Touchdown.

Prime Minister gives Canadians a say in who represents them in the Upper House

Prime Minister Stephen Harper has announced that Canada’s New Government will introduce a bill in the House of Commons today to establish a national process for consulting Canadians on their preferences for Senate appointments.

The bill will see voters choose their preferred Senate candidates to represent their provinces or territories.

“This bill will make the Senate more democratic and more accountable,” said Prime Minister Harper in a speech to his caucus. “For the first time, it will let the Prime Minister give Canadians a say in who represents them in the Upper House.”

The Senate Appointment Consultations Act represents another step in a comprehensive plan to make government more accountable. The Prime Minister noted that the bill was being introduced the day after the government’s Federal Accountability Act received royal assent. Canada’s New Government has also introduced legislation to limit Senators’ terms to eight years.

Details about the new bill will be released when it is introduced in the House of Commons later today.