Post by bot on Feb 12, 2014 14:57:59 GMT -5
Scott has it absolutely right. Yesterday's budget failed to deliver real economic growth or solutions for middle class Canadians. The Conservatives' focus on delivering a surplus in an election year for political reasons means this is a cautious budget that lacks big ideas and ambition for Canada.
Take a look below at Scott's excellent update to Liberal MPs last night, forward it to friends, then tune in to watch the Liberal convention webcast February 20 to 23 so you, too, can help us build the plan that will move our economy forward:
www.liberal.ca/pledge-to-watch-convention/
Thank you.
Justin
---- Original Message ----
From: Scott Brison, Finance Critic
To: Liberal MPs
CC: Justin Trudeau
Subject: this (do-nothing) budget
Colleagues,
I know we'll have a chance to discuss this in Caucus Wednesday, but I want to share my preliminary reactions.
This budget fails middle class Canadians in three big ways:
-- No plan for growth: Canadians aren't just looking for a budget right now. Canadian families are looking for a plan that will produce growth -- like investments in infrastructure and post-secondary education would. The Conservatives obsession with balancing the budget to the exclusion of everything else means this budget is highly unimaginative -- all at a time when the IMF's latest report calls Canada's growth "disturbingly anemic."
-- Political budgeteering: This budget is being balanced for political reasons on the backs of Canadian workers, through defence cuts, and through asset sales -- that isn't just bad for the economy, it's plain bad governance.
-- No relief for the middle class: From keeping Employment Insurance Premiums artificially high, to deep cuts in the job-creating defence industry, middle class Canadians are not seeing any benefits from the budget. Instead, they're footing the bill.
I'm interested in hearing more about the Research Excellence Fund, but until we know more I can't get excited. If it is anything like the Canada Job Grant, a year later it will still be a program that doesn't exist (despite millions of dollars in advertising!)
As you consider this budget, I'd ask you to put yourself in the shoes of a middle class family.
After this budget passes, you're still struggling under the weight of your household debt. You still have no hope of a raise any time soon. And post-secondary education in your family is an increasing financial strain -- or worse, a pipe dream.
That's not fair to the middle class Canadians who built this economy. They want a real plan. They want to be a part of building it. And we can make that happen!
Looking forward to a lively discussion with you all tomorrow.
Scott Brison
Finance Critic
Liberal Party of Canada
Take a look below at Scott's excellent update to Liberal MPs last night, forward it to friends, then tune in to watch the Liberal convention webcast February 20 to 23 so you, too, can help us build the plan that will move our economy forward:
www.liberal.ca/pledge-to-watch-convention/
Thank you.
Justin
---- Original Message ----
From: Scott Brison, Finance Critic
To: Liberal MPs
CC: Justin Trudeau
Subject: this (do-nothing) budget
Colleagues,
I know we'll have a chance to discuss this in Caucus Wednesday, but I want to share my preliminary reactions.
This budget fails middle class Canadians in three big ways:
-- No plan for growth: Canadians aren't just looking for a budget right now. Canadian families are looking for a plan that will produce growth -- like investments in infrastructure and post-secondary education would. The Conservatives obsession with balancing the budget to the exclusion of everything else means this budget is highly unimaginative -- all at a time when the IMF's latest report calls Canada's growth "disturbingly anemic."
-- Political budgeteering: This budget is being balanced for political reasons on the backs of Canadian workers, through defence cuts, and through asset sales -- that isn't just bad for the economy, it's plain bad governance.
-- No relief for the middle class: From keeping Employment Insurance Premiums artificially high, to deep cuts in the job-creating defence industry, middle class Canadians are not seeing any benefits from the budget. Instead, they're footing the bill.
I'm interested in hearing more about the Research Excellence Fund, but until we know more I can't get excited. If it is anything like the Canada Job Grant, a year later it will still be a program that doesn't exist (despite millions of dollars in advertising!)
As you consider this budget, I'd ask you to put yourself in the shoes of a middle class family.
After this budget passes, you're still struggling under the weight of your household debt. You still have no hope of a raise any time soon. And post-secondary education in your family is an increasing financial strain -- or worse, a pipe dream.
That's not fair to the middle class Canadians who built this economy. They want a real plan. They want to be a part of building it. And we can make that happen!
Looking forward to a lively discussion with you all tomorrow.
Scott Brison
Finance Critic
Liberal Party of Canada