The Trudeau government is looking to support Canadians who are struggling in the face of inflation and rising interest rates.
Yesterday’s federal budget includes a $2.5 billion “grocery rebate” aimed at 11-million low-and-modest income Canadians and families, as well as a net $43 billion for major initiatives including an expanded dental care program; cracking down on hidden junk fees, such as higher telecom roaming charges, event and concert fees, and excessive baggage fees; and increasing the Canada Student Grants and raising the interest-free Canada Student Loan limit.
In all, the document promises to add more than $8-billion in new spending in the coming fiscal year with a deficit of $40-billion.
“I have never been more optimistic about the future of our country than I am today,” said Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance in a news release. “Budget 2023 will deliver new, targeted inflation relief for the Canadians who need it most; stronger public health care, including dental care for millions of Canadians; and significant investments to build Canada’s clean economy.”
Conservatives, including Chatham-Kent-Leamington MP Dave Epp, panned the budget for failing to deliver lower taxes or affordable housing for Canadians, calling it an anti-worker, tax-hiking budget that does nothing to address the inflationary pressures with which Canadians continue to struggle.
