Friday April 4, 2008

Tories may be changing position on penny

The federal Conservatives are throwing in their two cents on the bid to pull the penny from circulation. A day after Finance Minister Jim Flaherty said his government isn’t interested in eliminating the penny right now, backbench Tory MP Rick Dykstra stepped forward with a motion indicating his party may have seen some sense in the idea.

Dykstra put a notice of motion on the order paper Thursday seeking a review of Canada’s coinage system “with a special emphasis on the one cent coin.”

The motion calls for a full study hearing from businesses, consumers, charities and all other relevant individuals and organizations.

Dykstra did not respond to a request for an interview Thursday.

NDP MP Pat Martin was excited to see the motion come up and said he’s certain it is because of interest generated by his private member’s bill.

That bill – introduced Wednesday – calls for the elimination of the penny from Canada’s monetary system by Jan. 1, 2009.

“They put a finger up to see which way the wind was blowing, and obviously they heard Canadians speak,” said Martin.

A Royal Canadian Mint study released last year showed almost two-thirds of small retailers, and just fewer than half of consumers, favour eliminating the penny. Large retailers are not in favour. (Source: National Post)

Well Known Penny expressions

“A penny saved is a penny earned.”

“In for a penny. In for a pound.”

“Penny wise, pound foolish.”

“Penny Ante.”

“Penny pincher.”

“I haven’t got a penny to my name.”

“Costs a pretty penny.”

“A penny for your thoughts.”

“Turn up like a bad penny.”

“Costs a pretty penny.”

“Pennies from heaven.”

“The penny dropped.”

“Penny fair.”

“Penny saver.”

“Penny drive.”