Andrea Rounce comments

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 30/03/2012 (5099 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

ANDREA RONCE

University of Manitoba

political studies professor

 

BUDGET WINNERS

Fiscal conservatives — those who want to see a reduced role for the federal government in society and in the economy. Small business, with the continued subsidy for EI and other work-related costs. Private industry, which will be expanding research activities previously done by the National Research Council. First Nations students, who should benefit from the new money targeted at education on reserves. Current and soon-to-be seniors, who won’t be affected by pension reform.

 

BUDGET LOSERS

The many members of the public service who will soon be unemployed. Canadian culture, which has been supported by the activities of the scaled-back Canadian Heritage. Possibly the environment, with scaled-back requirements for assessments in resource development. Those aged 45 to 54, who will be the first group to face significant changes to their retirements. Young people, who will be raising questions of intergenerational equity.

ON BALANCE

We knew the cuts were coming, but we didn’t know how deep they would be. While MPs will face some changes to travel and pensions, Finance Minister Jim Flaherty’s first budget as part of a majority federal government contains cuts that will affect public service personnel, the environment and youth. However, we don’t have specifics on where many of these cuts will come from — particularly within the public service. This budget will be an important part of Harper’s legacy of smaller government — a situation that future governments will find difficult to change.