The Chilliwack Progress Friday, August 21, 2015
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Election 2015: Politicians make pitch to parents The first in a series comparing party platforms Tom Fletcher Black Press Parents are spending the money and feeling the love like never before from parties contesting the Oct. 19 federal election. Prime Minister Stephen Harper expanded his favoured approach of direct payments, increasing the Conservative government’s child care benefit plan that has been compared to the former Family Allowance.
The increase was set up to produce bonus cheques to eligible parents in July, retroactive to the start of the year. Payments went up from $100 to $160 a month for each child under six, with a new $60 payment for those aged seven to 17, payable to families regardless of income or method of child care. Liberal leader Justin Trudeau responded by promising a modified version that would phase out the benefit for high-income families and increase payments for the
rest. Building into its calculations a proposed income tax cut for middle and low-income people, the party estimates a two-parent family with an income of $90,0000 and two children would receive $490 a month tax free, compared to the Conservative program of $275 a month after taxes. The Liberals calculate that a single parent with $30,000 income and one child would receive $533 a month, up from $440 under Conservative child benefit and tax rules.
NDP leader Thomas Mulcair has offered to retain the Conser vative payments and expand Quebec’s subsidized daycare program across the country, with a maximum payment of $15 a day and a long-term goal of creating one million new spaces across the country. Mulcair has said the Quebec program allowed 70,000 mothers to return to the workforce, and the NDP program would be available to private daycare operators as
long as they are independent and not “big box” operations. Green Party leader Elizabeth May is also offering a univerADA CANTES sal federally-funded child care program, VO including support for workplace daycare through a direct tax credit to employers of $1,500 a year. The Green Party also wants to appoint a national children’s commissioner to advise government on policy.
Low-interest loan for GBE to grow on Jennifer Feinberg The Progress Organic farmer Michael Allen of Chilliwack says he gets a thrill out of making a difference in people’s lives with his heirloom produce. The Allen family farm on Luckakuck Way has grown to become the second largest organic greenhouse operation in Western Canada. The incredibly sweet taste of the vine-ripened tomatoes, with an incomprehensible 100 varieties grown over the past eight years, is always the “show-stopper,” says Allen, owner of GBE Chilliwack Heirloom Organic Farm. When you get right down to it, taste counts for a lot. They sell out regularly because of superior taste and an increasingly savvy clientele. “When you believe in a lifestyle, it motivates what you do. “Simplicity is key,” Allen tells The Progress. Making a difference in people’s lives has the edge over making money for him, he underlines. Now he’s getting a little help with a low-interest low to purchase more equipment, like an in-line tiller and more, courtesy of Whole Foods Market and its Local Producer Loan Program. “This is a great situation,” the farmer notes. He was planning to attend a cheque presentation at Whole Foods Market in Vancouver Thursday to celebrate the $60,000 low-interest loan. They’re taking the opportunity offer samples of their brand-new tomato chips. “They have built an incredible business and have cultivated a customer base that loves their product,” said Denise Breyley, Whole Foods Market’s ‘local forager’ in the Pacific Northwest. “It’s thrilling to partner with them on the next chapter of their success story.” Allen is deeply appreciative of
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Neighbours help tip off police Two people arrested
Analiza and Michael Allen, owners of GBE Organic Heirloom Farm. JENNA HAUCK/ PROGRESS FILE
the financing program. “It’s like Whole Foods is telling us they like the food so much they want to support us and help us grow.” All of the GBE produce is grown in soil. They have more than 20 acres of outdoor fields, and a three-acre greenhouse at Luckakuck Way and Evans Road. Their philosophy is to treat the soil exceptionally well, building it up in the belief that micronutrients can be absorbed more naturally by the plants. They use natural methods for pest control and fertilization. However, not being able to adequately supply the voracious demand for GBE’s product line is a bit of a sore spot. “It’s hard dealing with the financials,” he explains. “If you grow too quickly, you can’t keep up with the growth. It can turn around and
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bite you.” If he has a pet peeve, it’s the lack of financial support shown by the provincial government, which spends about two per cent of the GDP on agriculture, compared to the Canadian average of 11 per cent. He points to the high fees, duty and levies farmers have to pay. “It’s always about getting over the hump. Farming is always, ‘let’s set what happens this year.’” That’s why it helps being passionate about what they do. The Allen family has been farming since 2002, and the Chilliwack operation was certified organic in 2007. Found in most of the larger grocery stores now, GBE grows everything from heirloom tomatoes, beans, peppers and basil, along with watermelons, kale, corn and blueberries. Some of the varieties of toma-
toes and beans are two-toned, or striped and they come in a rainbow of colours and shapes. They haven’t been crossbred for uniformity of colour and size. They even cultivate a heritage Jamaican green known as callaloo, and a commercial volume of organic Chilliwack corn — which is rare. Through their loan program, Whole Foods Market is providing $25 million in low-interest loans to local growers, producers and food artisans, like GBE. With the financing, GBE is buying new equipment to improve the farm’s efficiency and to enhance production. “Ultimately, this loan is an investment in our shared commitment to organic farming practices,” Allen adds. jfeinberg@theprogress.com twitter.com/chwkjourno
Concerned neighbours are being credited with the arrest of two people in Sardis, and the recovery of stolen property. Chilliwack RCMP say an alert neighbour noticed two people hopping a fence and entering a vacant home at around 7 a.m. in the 45700 block of Keith Wilson Road. Police responded, supported by the emergency response team and the integrated police dog services. Two people were found inside. Travis Michael Thompson, 35, from Chilliwack faces charges of obstructing a peace officer and failing to comply with a recognizance stemming from the Aug. 13 arrest. Thompson remains in custody pending a court appearance later in August on this and one other unrelated incident. A 30-year-old Chilliwack woman was released from custody pending a court appearance later in August for an unrelated incident. The vacant home was already on police radar. A day earlier RCMP were called to the location after four people were reportedly seen inside. When police arrived, the building was empty. However, they did find stolen property inside that police quickly linked to several thefts in the Sardis area. RCMP officers continue to follow all investigational leads into the thefts. “Vigilant home owners reporting unusual activity to police is essential to reduce crime and keep our community safe,” said Cpl. Mike Rail. Police remind anyone who witnesses anything suspicious to contact the Chilliwack RCMP at 604-792-4611.
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