Copies of the 2022 federal budget documents are seen in the hands of Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as they speak with members of the media before the release of the federal budget, on Parliament Hill, in Ottawa, Thursday, April 7, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS
The recent federal budget unveiling a $53 billion spending increase left some sectors wanting more. Here’s a breakdown of what was missed:
Oil and gas drillers, represented by the Canadian Association of Energy Contractors, hoped for a tax credit extension to support decarbonization efforts, but were disappointed by its absence.
In the cannabis industry, hopes were dashed as the budget overlooked recommendations from a recent review aimed at bolstering the sector, leaving key players disillusioned.
The Canadian Urban Transit Association expressed concern over the lack of attention to aging transit infrastructure, critical for connecting new housing developments and accommodating a growing population. President Marco D’Angelo emphasized the failure to address the transportation needs of various demographics reliant on public transit.
Canadian farmers, grappling with challenges like high interest rates and climate-related risks, found the budget lacking in measures to alleviate their burdens. While consultations on certain issues were acknowledged positively, crucial areas such as environmental support, labor concerns, and infrastructure enhancements were overlooked, according to the Canadian Federation of Agriculture.
Indigenous communities voiced disappointment at being sidelined in the budget. The Assembly of First Nations criticized the government's failure to fulfill its commitment to bridge the infrastructure gap for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples by 2030. With a significant shortfall in allocated funds compared to the estimated requirements, Indigenous infrastructure needs remain unaddressed.
