Welland, Ontario, April 7, 2022  - At a time of financial turmoil throughout much of the world, of tyrants unleashing carnage upon their neighbours, with the lingering effects of a worldwide pandemic, and during a period when Canadians are faced with a housing market that has out-paced our economic growth and left many struggling to put a roof over their heads, the Canadian government is delivering a budget that invests in our strengths while taking straight aim at the issues threatening our enviable standard of living.

Canada has weathered the economic crisis brought on by COVID-19 better than most and can boast an unemployment rate better than it was before the onslaught of the pandemic, but many Canadians have struggled with escalating housing prices. In addition to lowering costs for Canadians on several fronts, including the recently-introduced plan for $10-a-day daycare, the federal government is removing foreign dollars from the marketplace and putting measures in place to help push home ownership within reach for young families.

And we’re taking a major step towards universal access to dental care and prescription medications for everyone, regardless of their financial health because we all do better when more of us are healthy and fewer are made to suffer.

The federal government recognizes the impacts of climate change on the country from coast to coast to coast, but nowhere more so than here on the Great Lakes. With this budget, Canada is finally joining the U.S. in taking real action to ensure our waterways are taken care of, making sure clean water and a healthy ecosystem is here for our children and grandchildren.

We recognize the economic recovery from COVID has been uneven and we are continuing to step up to ensure no one is left behind. We’ll continue to be there for those who still need help, regardless of their gender, race, ethnicity, beliefs, sexuality or any other differences we should all be proud to celebrate.

Over the last two months, the world has witnessed the destructive, brutal oppression being imposed on Ukraine by Russian president Vladimir Putin. We must stand with Ukraine and be prepared to help where we can and to defend our own interests and borders. We are investing the necessary dollars to ensure Canada is strong and able to withstand the threats of those who would turn their backs on peace and bring senseless destruction to those with whom they share borders.

Quotes

“This budget plots a prudent fiscal course. It moves forward a growth plan that prioritizes housing supply and job growth through social investments that drives economy. Canada is ready to fight. Whether it’s cleaning up our drinking water, ensuring a healthy Great Lakes system, investing in our Indigenous Communities, or standing up to those who willfully kill innocents, we have a responsibility to make this a better world and a better Canada. We must continue to take on COVID and build a country where no one is denied medical care or a home for their family because the price tag is too high.”

Vance Badawey Member of Parliament for Niagara Centre