Investing in our community

Winnipeg West

Investing in Our Community: Budget 2025 Delivers for Winnipeg West

As we head into the holiday season, I want to send my warmest wishes to everyone across Winnipeg West. This time of year encourages us to pause and reflect on what matters most. I continue to be inspired by the generosity, resilience, and community spirit I see every day. Families have faced real challenges over the past year, and Budget 2025, which was presented in the House of Commons on Nov. 4, was shaped directly by the concerns many of you raised. I am proud that we passed this budget in the House so these investments can move forward and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

Supporting affordability for families

Affordability remains the issue families raise with me most often, and the budget takes practical steps to ease daily financial pressure. A middle-class tax cut will save two-income households up to $840 a year. Continued investments in early learning and child care are lowering fees across the country and helping parents return to work with greater confidence. The Canadian dental care plan is expanding so more children and low-income households can receive essential dental care.

Families will also benefit from the national school food program, which will reach 400,000 more children and save households up to $800 a year on groceries. First-time home buyers will see a full GST rebate on new homes up to $1 million, with a partial reduction up to $1.5 million. A new refundable tax credit of up to $1,100 will support personal support workers. Together, these measures help families keep more of their hard-earned money.

Building homes and strengthening communities

Housing remains a major concern, and Budget 2025 invests significantly to increase supply and build more affordable homes. Here in Winnipeg, Naawi-Oodena is moving forward with qualifications now open for builders to construct 320 new homes, at least 40 percent of which will be below market value. This is part of a long-term plan to build more than 2,000 homes and new community spaces in partnership with Treaty One First Nations and the Canada Lands Company.

Stronger communities also depend on modern infrastructure. Through the Build Communities Strong fund, $51 billion over 10 years, plus $3 billion annually, will support upgrades to hospitals, water systems, recreation facilities, campuses, roads, and climate adaptation projects. An additional $5 billion over three years through the health infrastructure fund will help modernize hospitals and urgent care centres.

Opportunities for youth, workers, and newcomers

The budget also looks ahead by investing in people. Programs like the Youth Climate Corps and Canada Summer Jobs continue to provide meaningful work experience for young people. The budget includes $75 million over three years to strengthen apprenticeships in high-demand fields such as construction and clean energy. For skilled newcomers, $97 million over five years will accelerate credential recognition, helping internationally trained professionals join the workforce faster.

A message for the season

As you gather with loved ones this season, I hope you find time for rest, connection, and joy. May the new year bring health, hope, and opportunity to you and your family.