Senator Percy Downe
@senatordowne.bsky.social
17 followers 4 following 30 posts
Senator, Charlottetown. Former Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Jean Chrétien. Former Vice-Chair, Parliamentary Network on the World Bank and IMF. Former Vice-Chair, Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade.
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senatordowne.bsky.social
Why do high-income seniors continue to receive OAS payments while low-income seniors need more support and the Canada Child Benefit is reduced at a much lower household income than OAS. Is this fair to younger generations who face higher taxes to fund OAS for high-income seniors?

#SenCA #cdnpoli
senatordowne.bsky.social
Low income seniors need more financial assistance while high income seniors need less. And younger generations can't afford to pay for increased Old Age Security costs by way of higher taxes. Is this fiscally sustainable?

📺My question to the Secretary of State for Seniors.

#SenCA #cdnpoli
senatordowne.bsky.social
Is sports betting corrupting sports? NBA banned a player for his involvement with gambling and fans are wondering if missed calls are truly missed or are they something else? A single NHL game can generate millions in bets. What monitoring is the gov't doing to protect Canadians?

#cdnpoli #SenCA
senatordowne.bsky.social
Time to ban sports betting advertisements. The government bans tobacco ads and we should do the same for gambling. You cannot legislate away human weaknesses, but you can limit the ability of others to profit from it. My questions to the Minister responsible for the CRTC urging action.

#cdnpoli
senatordowne.bsky.social
Met with Lieutenant-General M.C. Wright, Commander of the Canadian Army, during the 2nd Annual Army Appreciation Day on Parliament Hill. Great discussion about opportunities and challenges in the army. As a former member of the PEI Regiment, I was pleased with his support of the reserves.
senatordowne.bsky.social
Prime Minister Carney is quickly restoring Canada's international reputation. Impressive remarks and Q&A at the Council on Foreign Relations.

#cndpoli #SenCA #PEI
cfr.org
📅 NOW

Canadian Prime Minister @mark-carney.bsky.social is discussing Canada's foreign policy priorities and the new global economy.

Tune in below ⬇️
A Conversation with Mark Carney of Canada
YouTube video by Council on Foreign Relations
www.youtube.com
senatordowne.bsky.social
I look forward to delving into Ron Graham's latest work, The Coutts Diaries: Power, Politics, and Pierre Trudeau, 1973-1981.

#cndpoli #SenCA #PEI
senatordowne.bsky.social
Globe and Mail editorial criticizing the toll reduction in Prince Edward Island missed key facts. My reply: Fairness, Not Favour nationalnewswatch.com/2025/08/29/f... via @natnewswatch

#PEI #cdnpoli #SenCA
Fairness, Not Favour
National Newswatch: Canada's most comprehensive site for political news and views.
nationalnewswatch.com
senatordowne.bsky.social
Engaging meeting with the Prince Edward Island Potato Board, joined by fellow #PEI Senators Mary Robinson and Brian Francis. In 2024, 87,000 acres were cultivated, resulting in farm cash receipts of $380 million. The finest quality potatoes that also boast the best flavor.🥔
senatordowne.bsky.social
It seems some Departments are better than others at collecting money owed to the 🍁 Gov’t. My question to the Department of Canadian Heritage on the enforcement of Canada’s National Do Not Call List, and their reply. They have, unlike the CRA, actually collected money.

sencanada.ca/media/5mpdbo...
sencanada.ca
senatordowne.bsky.social
What is the Fed. Gov't doing to fix this long-standing injustice? My question to the Minister responsible and their response:

sencanada.ca/media/axfjur...

#cdnpoli #SenCA #UKpensionersinCanada
sencanada.ca
senatordowne.bsky.social
Did you know that UK state pensioners living in Canada do not see their pensions indexed? However, if they lived in the US, Iceland, Portugal, Germany, or the Philippines, that wouldn't be the case. Canadian pensions, in contrast, are always indexed no matter the location.
senatordowne.bsky.social
My question on overseas tax evasion and answer from CRA showing no Canadians have been charged following the release of the Panama and Paradise Papers, despite being named in them—unlike every other country. Money assessed but any collected?

sencanada.ca/media/q33jvy...

#cndpoli #SenCA
sencanada.ca
senatordowne.bsky.social
Today is the day! The new Confederation Bridge tolls and Wood Islands Ferry fees come into force.

#PEI #cdnpoli #SenCA
senatordowne.bsky.social
Great chat with Paul Hunter on CBC Listen's As It Happens on the reduction of ferry and bridge tolls in Atlantic Canada starting August 1st, including Confederation Bridge which will now cost $20 instead of $50 to cross.

📻: tinyurl.com/ym86763j

#PEI #cdnpoli #SenCA
Critical Mention
tinyurl.com
senatordowne.bsky.social
Confederation Bridge and Wood Islands Ferry tolls reduced following PM Mark Carney's announcement. 🎉👏🥳

Great day for Islanders and for all who wish to visit Prince Edward Island.

#PEI #cndpoli #SenCA
senatordowne.bsky.social
Question to Federal Minister of Transport and Internal Trade Chrystia Freeland as to when Atlantic Canadians can expect to have tolls on bridges and ferries reduced.

#SenCA #cdnpoli #PEI
senatordowne.bsky.social
Great meeting with the University of PEI Student Union executive team, Deanelle, Luciana, and Erica, to discuss the accessibility and affordability of higher education in #PEI. Always a pleasure to return to my alma matter and gain insights into the challenges that today's students are facing.
senatordowne.bsky.social
Wow! Prime Minister @mark-carney.bsky.social's defense announcement is exactly what Canada needs. So long overdue after years of inaction. We are currently understaffed by 16,000 armed forces members and most of our equipment is outdated. The actions announced today will keep Canadians safe.
PM Mark Carney Makes a Security and Defence Announcement
In Toronto, Prime Minister Mark Carney makes an announcement concerning his government’s defence and security priorities. (no interpretation)
tinyurl.com
senatordowne.bsky.social
Last week, I reintroduced the Fairness for All Canadian Taxpayers Act (passed in the Senate during last Parliament), to disclose all convictions for overseas tax evasion and to measure the tax gap—difference between taxes owed and collected.

sencanada.ca/en/senators/...

#PEI #cdnpoli #SenCA
Senator Percy E. Downe - Topic Intervention 665291 - 32
Senator Percy E. Downe Topic Intervention 665291 - 32
sencanada.ca
senatordowne.bsky.social
Always a pleasure meeting with Taiwan Representative Harry Tseng of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office to discuss Canada-Taiwan issues on trade and defense.

#PEI #SenCA #cndpoli