What do Canadians want to see in the upcoming federal budget?
All eyes will be on Ottawa on Tuesday as the federal government is set to deliver its annual budget.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his ministers have been on a countrywide tour in recent weeks to make a series of pre-budget announcements. Many of those announcements have focused on housing, but Trudeau has also signalled the government’s intent to launch a national school food program and invest in the artificial intelligence sector.
CBC spoke with Canadians from across the country about what further budget items they hope to see on Tuesday. Here’s what we heard.
Housing
Despite the federal government’s pre-budget tour largely focusing on housing, a number of Canadians still listed it as their No. 1 priority.
“I want to see the housing — I mean a lot more commitment to housing — to provide affordable housing to Canadians,” said Wisdom Wissi.
Mike Haddad from Toronto agreed, saying he’s concerned about future generations’ ability to afford a home.
“I think housing is a big issue. Affordability of housing. Being able to own anything. You can’t own anything anymore,” Haddad said.
Stephen Crego from B.C. said he’s concerned that he might have to move due to the high cost of rent in the province.
“The rent’s been way too high. It’s insane,” he said.
Groceries
Others said they’d like the government to do more to address the price of groceries. That includes Dolly Hurtado from Winnipeg.
“Food is the priority, the pressing challenge,” she said. “The [cost of] food has to go down.”
- Are you having a hard time keeping up with the cost of living? What issues would you want to see addressed in the next federal budget? Let us know in an email to ask@cbc.ca.
Hurtado’s sentiments were echoed by Daxxon Sheppard and Dale Murphy from St. John’s.
“If they just lowered even the price of groceries by just a little. That would help a lot, honestly. It would really benefit a lot of people,” said Sheppard.
“I’d like for them to keep the cost of food down and to keep the cost of fuel down if at all possible,” Murphy said.
Economy and finances
Other Canadians said they were hoping to see the government focus on boosting economic opportunities for workers, while others wanted to see changes to the federal finances.
Jeanette Ebert of Craven, Sask., has a straightforward request for the budget.
“Get rid of the carbon tax,” she said.
Debby Sifert from Regina echoed Ebert’s demand.
“We have enough taxes. We don’t need a carbon tax,” she said.
Renato Lapagesse from Toronto said he hopes the government focuses on creating more job opportunities.
“I really expect them to do something to get more jobs and more opportunities,” he said.
Fergus Foley from St. John’s said he hopes the government cuts back on spending and instead concentrates the budget on offering more supports to Canadians.
“I’d like for the government to address wasteful spending. I mean if you look at the news these days there’s money flowing out the door, but there doesn’t seem to be anything to address the cost of living. Especially for seniors,” he said.
The government will table its budget Tuesday afternoon. CBC will carry special coverage of the budget starting at 4 p.m. ET on cbc.ca/news and CBC News Network.
View original article here Source
Utopia Bedding Bed Sheet Set - 4 Piece Queen Bedding - Soft Brushed Microfiber Fabric - Shrinkage & Fade Resistant - Easy Care (Queen, Grey)
$21.99 (as of April 18, 2024 09:47 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Apple iPad 2018 32GB - WiFi Only - Space Gray (Renewed)
$198.99 (as of April 18, 2024 09:47 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Sahara Sailor Water Bottle, 32oz Motivational Sports Water Bottle with Time Marker - Times to Drink - Tritan, BPA Free, Wide Mouth Leakproof, Fast Flow Technology with Clean Brush by Gohippos (1 Bottle)
$14.99 (as of April 18, 2024 09:47 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)
$485.00 (as of April 18, 2024 09:47 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Glad White Garbage Bags - Tall 45 Litres - ForceFlex, Drawstring, with Febreze Fresh Clean Scent, 50 Trash Bags, Made in Canada of Global Components
$11.88 (as of April 18, 2024 09:47 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Queen Size 4 Piece Sheet Set - Comfy Breathable & Cooling Sheets - Hotel Luxury Bed Sheets for Women & Men - Deep Pockets, Easy-Fit, Extra Soft & Wrinkle Free Sheets - White Oeko-Tex Bed Sheet Set
$29.99 (as of April 18, 2024 09:47 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Bounty Select-A-Size Paper Towels, 8 Double Plus Rolls = 20 Regular Rolls, White
$21.98 (as of April 18, 2024 09:47 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Brita Standard Water Filter, Standard Replacement Filters for Pitchers and Dispensers, BPA Free, 3 Count
$22.49 (as of April 18, 2024 09:47 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
SOJOS Retro Oval Sunglasses for Women Men Trendy Sun Glasses Classic Shades UV400 Protection SJ1217
$21.99 (as of April 18, 2024 09:47 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)