What the federal budget means for you

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 26/04/2023 (1232 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Since March, we have seen the presentation of both the federal and provincial budgets. The numbers and details of a budget can be overwhelming and, in many ways, difficult to really comprehend. As a result, we often hear about the highlights and not the details. But there are documents that provide the details and if you are interested, feel free to contact my office.

For now, I want to highlight a few issues that demonstrate how Ottawa supports real people.

Did you know that every month approximately $10 million comes to Winnipeg North from Ottawa to support our children via the Canada child benefit program. Along with that program, every month our seniors collect old age security (OAS) and the guaranteed income supplement (GIS). These are programs currently in place and all of them will be getting an increase this year.

High inflation is real, and it is nice to see that it is going down, but it is hurting us today. The federal budget is helping, with just under 11 million Canadians being provided a grocery rebate. It is also providing the funds to expand a national dental program that will include seniors and children under the age of 18. Last year when we brought in the dental program it was first meant to deal with children under the age of 12, and in a short few months close to 240,000 children benefitted from the program.

The budget supports two national programs which are also being supported by the Government of Manitoba and its recent budget. Ottawa has committed $198 billion over the next 10 years to support our health-care system. Not only did Manitoba sign on, it also has invested millions more into our provincial health-care system. Combined, Manitoba health care has never been given so much financial support.

Ottawa has also put together the first ever national child-care program and once again the province of Manitoba has signed on. As a result, Manitobans can get $10/day child care.

There are things within the budget that will go almost unnoticed, but which are also important. For example, a targeted doubling of the tax credit for people who work in the trades for the purchase of tools. And Canada’s national water agency is going to be located here in Winnipeg. This is good news, as Canada plays a strong leadership role in the world and Winnipeg will be a major stakeholder in the future of water management.

I have not said anything about how the budget deals with issues such as reconciliation or our environment, yet you will find that budgetary measures will also affect these issues in many ways. If you have questions or comments, or would like more details, do not hesitate to contact my office.

For me, the most important thing coming in the budget was our commitment to health care a