Trudeau says affordability measures coming in the budget

According to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the 2023 federal budget will include new affordability measures to address the ongoing cost crisis for Canadians to navigate.

“In our budget, we’re going to put forward measures that will directly help Canadians, measures around affordability,” Trudeau told reporters during media availability in Newfoundland and Labrador on Wednesday.

Noting the “huge pressures” Canadians face when it comes to affordability, the prime minister said the upcoming budget will outline how the federal Liberals will “move forward in a way that responds to the challenges Canadians face.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland announced last Friday that he will present the budget on March 28.

Trudeau also said the 2023 budget will include recently completed multibillion-dollar health funding deals with provinces and territories.

“And measures that will continue to create great jobs for Canadians right across the country.”

How the Liberals plan to implement new spending given the risks of recession and their previously stated desire not to fan the flames of inflation as the Bank of Canada tries to get it under control remains to be seen.

Freeland signaled that his upcoming update on the state of Canada’s economy will focus on clean energy to make life more affordable and job growth while remaining fiscally prudent.

The budget comes on the heels of a visit by US President Joe Biden and is also expected to include measures to help Canadian companies remain resilient in a challenging economic landscape and competitive global markets.

In addition hundreds of applications From stakeholders and industry groups received by the House of Commons finance committee during its pre-budget consultations, economic voices are also directly asking to see the massive budget document, which includes a plan to boost economic growth.

The minority Liberals will also take several political considerations into account when drawing up the budget.

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh is pressuring the Liberals to meet outstanding commitments as part of the Liberal-DPC Supply and Confidence Agreement, while Conservative Leader Pierre Polievre is calling directly on the federal government to cut taxes to end “inflation.” “Expenditure, match new spending with savings and improve housing affordability.

Trudeau would not commit Wednesday when asked if the upcoming affordability measures would include extension to GST rebatebut he pointed to previous affordability-focused measures the Liberals have introduced in recent years, including $10-a-day day care, housing benefit supplements and the first plan for a national dental program.

“These are things that the Conservatives were against, even though they talk a good game about affordability, they don’t actually deliver,” Trudeau said.

“I’m very much looking forward to the presentation of that budget, but everyone will have to wait a few more weeks.