We got increased funding for the Department of Women and Gender Equality (WAGE), continued support for Canada Summer Jobs, a refundable tax credit for PSWs, and the school food program.

Also, an unprecedented $81.8 billion in defense spending, which is two and a half times higher than the Conservatives promised last election. It includes an increase to “arctic sovereignty”, a 1,300 per cent increase to on-call soldiers, and a $1.3 billion investment in border services and security. Wasn’t it the president south of the border who was calling for us to have a stronger border? So much for “elbows up”. Our government can claim protection and safety, but the American people are not our enemy. Increased militarization is only going to make the richest Canadians feel their property is safer, and the safety of the poorest will be compromised.

This government continues to throw money towards industry development, because it is good for Canada’s economy. Unfortunately the economy can do well and still leave the majority of its citizens behind as the chasm of wealth inequality widens. Developing industry may create more jobs, however without the legislation and programs to help average, working people, the grand majority of those profits will continue to be seen by those at the top. We have had record-breaking years in corporate profit and yet are seeing more people unable to afford food, housing and health care. Yet this budget does nothing for these people, instead cutting $27 billion in taxes from the middle and upper parts of the income spectrum.

Environmental protection took a huge hit in this budget as we’re increasingly seeing the devastating effects of climate change – from forest fires that burn in our backyards and across our protected wilderness, to the droughts that destroy our crops. We’ve completely abandoned the commitment to implement a cap on emissions. The flashiest environmental project is the “youth climate corps” – a continued effort to offload the problems the government has created onto the backs of young people, instead of funding experts and solutions that already exist.

The main positive from this budget is the Build Canada Homes project. It’s never been more unfathomable for young people to buy a house, and supply is part of the issue. However, housing being viewed as a commodity and not as a right is what has exacerbated the affordability crisis. If done in-house, we may be able to reinvest some of the money generated from these builds back into the public services and programs the residents of these houses will need. Or, a private corporation could be given the contract, and shareholders can pocket the tax dollars and interest gained.

The government continues to invest in corporations, and yet they prove to only make things worse. This is a budget to make money and defend those who have it. You can’t have rich people without the poor, so why would they make this country better for all Canadians?

Power to the people.

Emma Judd, Shawville

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