In 1993, when Werner Schmidt was campaigning for the Reform Party in the riding of Okanagan-Centre, little did he know that one campaign promise, along with an immeasurable amount of integrity would personally cost him one million dollars. But that’s exactly what happened. Werner Schmidt, Lee Morrison and Preston Manning, along with some 50 of their fellow candidates promised in 1993 to refuse the platinum-plated MP pension plan. It wasn’t just a symbolic gesture, it was a promise to refuse the temptation of the most generous pension plan the country has ever seen, in order to see it reformed. A few years later that commitment was put to the test when Reform MPs were offered a path back into the MP pension plan. Only three held strong. This past fall, Members of Parliament agreed to the most significant reform to the MP pension plan in its history. While thousands of Canadians can claim to have poured time, effort and money into the nearly 20 year effort to achieve these reforms, only Mr. Schmidt, Morrison and Manning can claim to have donated $1 million each in lost pension payments towards the victory. We at the Canadian Taxpayers Federation are often the first to pounce on politicians when they do the wrong thing – waste money, hike taxes or line their own pockets. But we should also be the first to congratulate and show our appreciation for those who do the right thing. We must congratulate with the same vigour that we castigate. On June 20th in Calgary, you can help us do just that. The CTF is awarding our highest honour – the TaxFighter Award – to Mr. Schmidt, Mr. Morrison and Mr. Manning. Will you join us in the Fairmont Palliser Ballroom to show these three men just how much we appreciate their sacrifice? Giving these gentlemen a plaque and naming them to the TaxFighter Honour Roll might not replace the nearly $3 million they have sacrificed, but it’s a start.
Posted on: Wed, 12 Jun 2013 14:10:07 +0000
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