The Middle Class and making life more affordable for them was the main narrative for Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland's 2023 Budget.
A document which delivered a number of big funding elements for promises, while putting off any plans for reigning in spending will be banished through the period that should take us to the next election, one likely decided by... the Middle Class.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister's Foreword to her Budget telegraphing the focus for the Liberal Government as it looks build the economy of the future during the current challenges, many of the themes familiar from just a few days ago when American President Joe Biden was in the capital.
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Reduced Child Costs, a Grocery rebate that a marketing slogan rather than a directive, since the money returned can be used on anything and is tied into the already in place GST Rebate.
Also of note a Dental Care plan expansion to be rolled out by the holidays and the Finance Minister offered up a list of areas where Canadians will find savings or new services in place.
On the theme of Affordability, there were eight elements of note among them the Grocery Rebate, joined by efforts to crack down on Junk Fees, Predatory Lending and support a Right to Repair.
Health Care themes spoke to Federal/Provincial relationships, the expansion of the Dental Benefit currently in place to that of a program and elements to encourage more doctors and nurses to explore real health care job opportunities
Housing also made for some focus, a range of measures to try and encourage home building in communities, included it those measures a home accelerator Fund, more funding for the Federal Homelessness strategy, construction of more Affordable Housing and the launch of a Tax Free First Home Savings Account
Affordable Energy and Clean Economy job creation was another them and Hydro power seems to be the favoured conduit, the Minister's document also noting of the future for Critical Minerals a topic that the American President made some note of during his recent visit to Ottawa.
Investments in the Advancement of Reconciliation spending will continue in a number of areas with education, Health Care and Housing initiatives among the elements on the list. The largest share of the commitment of financial resources designated towards Child Welfare services across the nation.
More Inclusive Communities continues to be a focal point for the Liberal Government, with Official Language supports, Advancements for Gender Equality and continued anti-racism strategies all part of the plans ahead.
Improvements when it comes to Services that Canadian use gained some attention a program to catch the eye of Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP Taylor Bachrach was noted that towards protecting passengers rights, along with improvements for Airport Operations and Passenger screening. Better Passport services and improved services for Veterans also gained some attention from the Finance Minister.
The Finance Minster urged Canadians to file their taxes each year, noting how many Canadians leave money behind by not ensuring that they are eligible for those benefits and financial incentives that the government have offered.
The Finance Ministers Speech can be reviewed below:
Speaking of budgets, I heard a rumour that Citywest gave the city a million bucks to reduce taxes. True?
ReplyDeleteNot something that anyone has shared publicly, though if so, that's likely more of a loan repayment than any fiscal help on the civic budget. NCR
DeleteCitywest has shared through their social media
DeleteIt’s true. Seems to be a bit of a help:
Deletehttps://www.citywest.ca/about-us/news/2023/03/27/citywest-to-provide-$1-million-to-the-city-of-prince-rupert
And so they have ...interesting wording for the distribution payment program NCR
DeleteYes, indeed, they are not making a payment on the loan from the City, they are bringing "some financial relief". Such largesse.
DeleteLooking through the budget presentation (very thorough), Citywest does not seem to appear anywhere in the calculations.
DeleteThe 2023 City Budget page has been updated to read "thanks to the March 27th funding announcement from CityWest, the proposed tax increase has been reduced from 15.7% to 13.4% after accounting for new revenues".
ReplyDeleteCitywest paying money to the City shouldn't be viewed as "help" or something for which the City owes "thanks", like it road in at the last minute to save the day. Expectations need to change.
When preparing the budget, city council and senior management should be able to expect from the get-go that Citywest makes regular payments on its long-term debt, just like any other business. There should also be an expectation that Citywest will pay dividends from its profits, same as Legacy Corporation.
Not having clear expectations of Citywest or up front commitments on its part, while meanwhile Citywest focuses on expansion and partnerships elsewhere, is not fair to Prince Rupert taxpayers.
What’s not fair to prince rupert taxpayers is being asked to pay an extra 4.5% on their taxes thanks to the port authority choosing to devalue their assessment every single year.
DeleteCitywest is at least making a serious effort to be a partner rather than a thorn
Lee is that you?
DeleteFunny, Ken I was going to ask if that was you!
Delete