Yesterday's federal pre-election budget, tabled by Finance Minister Bill Morneau is getting predictable responses today.
Read the budget here.
It's Morneau's fourth budget and is designed to sway Canadian's opinions as the country heads into the fall election campaign.
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce feels the budget failed to address the" fundamental issues that continue to undermine the ability of Canada business to create more jobs and generate more prosperity" for all Canadians.
“We all want a Canada that is more prosperous for more Canadians, but the road to Canadian prosperity starts with helping this country’s business owners create more opportunities for more Canadians. They are the ones that drive the economy, that start and grow businesses that hire Canadians and build projects. This budget did little to help them build that road,” said Perrin Beatty, President of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
Finance Minister Vic Fedeli echoed that sentiment.
"While the federal government continues to run endless deficits, the 2019 Ontario Budget will outline a plan to return the Province to balance in a responsible manner." that budget will be delivered April 11.
"Today's federal budget confirms the federal government does not share Ontario's vision for making our province, let alone our country, Open for Business and Open for Jobs, and threatens manufacturing jobs and small businesses in Ontario. This in addition to hurting hard-working families by imposing its job-killing carbon tax," Fedeli added.
The Canadian Taxpayers Association is also unimpressed complaining of increasing deficits.
"The Liberals are now on pace to add a staggering $127 billion in new debt by 2024 – still with no plan to get back to balance. That’s five times more debt than they promised — $100 billion more."
But Liberal MP Anthony Rota told CKAT there is good news for North Bay. as Ottawa is doubling gas tax funding to cities to $2.2 billion.
“For the City of North Bay for example, that makes a difference of almost $3.5 million extra that they can spend on whatever they need. We’re looking at fast-tracking it so it can be used this summer in projects the city already has in place.".
