The 2014 federal budget was tabled by Finance Minister Jim Flaherty in the House of Commons on Feb. 11.
Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo MP Cathy McLeod says it is a continuation of government’s plan initiated in 2009 – getting back to a balanced budget and supporting policies and measures that will keep the country strong in terms of jobs and economic growth.
“I am certainly delighted to hear that we are approaching a balanced budget.”
Several key components of the budget deal with jobs and training.
The Canada Jobs Grant introduced last year is still being negotiated with the provinces, and McLeod says she, along with the rest of government, is looking forward to implementing it this year.
“I’ve heard from employers not only across the country, but certainly in our area, that they see this as a real positive in terms of bringing the people who are the actual job providers to the table [with] their workplace needs.”
Youth unemployment is something government is also planning to tackle, she adds.
“I am really pleased to see the Canada Apprentice Loan.”
While students at university have been eligible for student loans for a long time, McLeod notes that for the first time ever, apprentices can also benefit by qualifying for financial aid.
“I think that is a great one for our young people who are looking into the apprenticeship program.”
She explains the creation of an internship program for small- and medium-sized businesses at $15 million a year is another “really important” measure in the budget, as it will help them hire new graduates and get them integrated into their companies.
The budget also includes a $75-million initiative targeting older workers, $40 million for women entrepreneurs, $40 million to support internship positions in “high demand” fields.
South Cariboo components
McLeod says the budget also covers some items she knows will be attractive to her 100 Mile House area constituents.
“First of all is rural broadband, the commitment to continue to work at accessibility across Canada.”
That commitment involves 280,000 new hookups for rural broadband at “reasonable” operating speeds, McLeod says, adding it is “important work” that she feels is “critical” for rural residents and businesses.
“Two measures that are very, very popular, especially with rural communities are our recreational fisheries program, which is a partnership with community groups and allows people to look at critical fish habitat … to make important improvements.
“And, of course trails have always been really important, I know, for the Cariboo, whether it be quadding, sledding or horseback riding.”
McLeod says other aspects of potential local interest include First Nations education funding that was announced recently, and then reaffirmed in the budget.
“As we look at the disparity in terms of graduation rates, I think it’s something that we’ve needed to move forward on, and I think it is a significant investment in terms of First Nations education throughout Canada.”
