Dear Editor,

I read with great interest Conservative MP David Wilks’ recent comments to his constituents that he would “stand up and say the Harper government should get rid of [their budget bill].” Too bad he got cold feet so quickly.

It was refreshing to see a Conservative MP stand up to his own government’s budget. In it, Prime Minister Harper broke his promise to seniors that he would not touch their pensions.

But this budget will force people to work two more years before collecting Old Age Security and take away up to $30,000 in benefits.

Unfortunately, Mr. Wilks later issued a “clarification” saying he now supports the budget wholeheartedly.

What happened in the 24 hours between the time he told his voters he would be prepared to vote against the bill and now, when he is completely in support of every measure?

The voters of Kootenay-Columbia deserve better. They deserve an MP who has the courage of his convictions and will represent the voters who elected him. The Liberal Party will be voting against Harper’s budget bill — it hurts seniors and does nothing to get Canadians working again. I call on Mr. Wilks to join us and stand up to Mr. Harper.

Scott Brison

Liberal Finance Critic/MP for King-Hants, Nova Scotia