Feds pass over South Simcoe in budget
Comment
by Chris Simon

Last week's federal budget fails to address some of the pressing issues facing the Innisfil area.

The Conservative government has called the proposed budget modest and responsible. They've suggested that the slagging economy in the United States could slow growth in Canada, and have reacted accordingly through the budget process. There are few major social spending projects proposed in the budget, especially in Ontario.

They haven't ruffled many feathers with the proposed outline for billions of dollars of taxpayer money, as is shown by Liberal plans for support. And it's hard to argue some of their areas of spending, like the $1.6 billion in benefits allocated for the automotive industry. Ontario would also receive $358 million to help vulnerable communities prepare for global economic uncertainty, $515 million for infrastructure initiatives and $303 million through the Clean Air and Climate Change, HPV Immunization and Patient Wait Times Guarantee trusts. Other items specifically allocated for Ontario include $156 million to hire front line police officers, $110 million to support mental health projects, $660 million to help Aboriginal communities, and $13.9 billion to address the fiscal imbalance. But as with most federal and provincial budgets, few items are allocated for specific projects at this point.

While the budget does have some potentially positive impacts on this region, it misses out on some good opportunities for much needed funding.

According to the budget, the federal government plans to create a tax free, general purpose savings account, which will be available through all the major banks. Its intention is to help people save their money, in case of an economic slowdown, and reduce their dependance on credit.

But perhaps the government should have been working with banks to reduce fees and account costs, or introducing a higher interest savings account, as a real means of helping people save money. The current Conservative plan would take tax revenue out of federal hands, meaning less money would be spent on important social programs.

There are plenty of areas in need across Canada, ranging from a lack of affordable housing to health care, that could use the tax revenue generated through banks.

Other than the bank account plan, there's little else to help Canadians stay out of debt. Several student groups are already expressing opposition to the budget, saying the Conservatives have failed to help reduce tuition and other postsecondary schooling expenses.

The Canadian Teachers Federation, the Assembly of FIrst Nations and several health care advocacy groups have also suggested the budget fails to address long-term social issues.

Even within the province, other communities have received funding promises that could be just as well spent in this region. Specifically, the Peterborough area will receive funding for GO train service. However, the Barrie and South Simcoe area is amongst the fastest growing communities in Canada, and could use that money to improve local public transit, the Highway 400 corridor or GO service.

Local communities throughout the region could also use help repairing infrastructure, ensuring sustainable jobs, and handling the anticipated growth in this region over the next few decades.

In uncertain economic times, there's obviously a need to be cautious. But investing in social programming and other essential daily services could improve lives and help reduce the burden of a forecasted economic slowdown.