Compared to the significant announcements made in the 2016 budget and fall economic statement, Wednesday’s federal budget is much more modest, lacking the same ambition to address the pressing challenges facing working Canadians. While it provides more details regarding multi-year investments in housing, public transit and other areas, it adds relatively little in the way of new spending.
The Canadian Labour Congress, which represents 3.3 million Canadian workers, today released a detailed budget analysis, which outlines the commitments on important issues for working Canadians.
The analysis notes that the budget plan does include a few positive changes to Employment Insurance, and new funding for child care, home care, mental health, and especially, housing.
However, when measured against the scale of the need that exists – for child care, green job creation, EI fairness, health care, and rights for Temporary Foreign Workers – Budget 2017 undoubtedly falls short.
