OTTAWA – Alex Atamanenko, MP – BC Southern Interior – Despite borrowing from some of the proposals of the Liberal-NDP policy accord in his budget, Prime Minister Harper has not convinced New Democrats that his budget plan is sincere or credible, says New Democrat MP, Alex Atamanenko (British Columbia Southern Interior).
“Until a few short weeks ago Stephen Harper built his career on fighting against social and economic safety nets,” said Atamanenko. “This budget is a failure in terms of protecting the most vulnerable and won’t provide the stimulus needed during these hard economic times.”
Atamanenko says that the onerous regulations outlined in the Conservative budget for municipalities trying to access infrastructure funds and housing support money will ensure that little if any of the money will actually flow where it is most needed. “BC Southern Interior municipalities simply do not have the money or the capacity to satisfy the requirement to match federal funding,“ noted Atamanenko. “What is likely to happen is that the majority of infrastructure funding will go to the larger cities which have a stronger tax base.”
Municipal leaders across Canada are still waiting for almost all of the $1.5 Billion in infrastructure funding that has yet to flow from previous promises under the Building Canada Fund.
The BC MP also noted that there was no mention of improving access to Employment Insurance (EI). “Even though the benefit period has been lengthened for those already collecting EI, without more flexible eligibility requirements far too many who are now losing their jobs will still be unable to access the insurance program they have paid into,” said Atamanenko. “Again the new funding announced for skills training is good for those who can collect EI but for the 60% of workers – 70% of which are women – who are ineligible for EI under the existing rules won’t have any access.”
Atamanenko says that the federal government has also failed to address the problem of crippling student debt which prevents many young people from contributing to the economy. “By granting $60 Billion in corporate tax benefits and ignoring the needs of students, Mr. Harper has again shown where his priorities lie.
“It is truly disappointing that the Liberal Party has chosen once again to prop up the Conservative government by supporting this deeply flawed budget that hits the vulnerable hard,” said Atamanenko. “This is a government who does not believe that access to Employment Insurance, affordable housing, childcare and education are vital to the economic and social health of communities during these critical times,” stated Atamanenko.