Cannings pans budget

Photo: Contributed

South Okanagan—West Kootenay MP Richard Cannings doesn't have many good things to say about the newly announced 2018 federal budget. 

“In this budget, the Liberals had an opportunity to build an economy where everyone benefits, not just the few at the top," Cannings said. “The government continues to tell Canadians the economy is strong, but most people are not feeling the benefits."

Cannings, a member of the NDP, criticized the federal Liberals' budget, saying it did not allot enough money for mental health nationwide, and was unclear on the amount of funding that will be available to help rural communities gain access to broadband. 

He also expressed concern that no rules were set out requiring companies undergoing bankruptcy to pay workers' benefits and pensions before shareholders and creditors. 

“Budgets are all about making choices. With this budget the Liberals have chosen to continue giving huge tax breaks to rich CEOs and corporations, while asking everyday Canadians to wait their turn and have faith that the government will keep their promises ” Cannings said. “A budget of half measures for projects that won’t be delivered for years shows that the government doesn’t quite get it yet."

Cannings did welcome some educational and environmental funding included in the budget, but also said he would be working with colleagues to improve "half-measure" policies. 

"While I welcome the new funding some initiatives such as university research and for the protection of land and water, I cannot overlook some of the important initiatives that are missing," Cannings said.