The MP for Perth Wellington is calling the 2019 federal budget a failure of the people.
John Nater called it a budget of distraction introduced to divert attention from scandals, and claimed families might be getting by, but they are not getting ahead and are being squeezed by taxes.
“This budget was a clearly-designed effort to buy the votes of Canadians in the next election with their own money," he said. "My priority will always be the hard-working people of Perth—Wellington. I will continue to advocate for the needs, interests and priorities of our communities.”
Nater said the Liberals promised Canadians the budget would be balanced this year, but instead the government is forecasting a deficit of $19.8 billion for the coming fiscal year
He added agriculture remains the backbone of the economy in Perth and Wellington counties, buts the budget fails to recognize its opportunity for growth The MP for Perth Wellington is concerned the federal budget fails to invest in rural infrastructure.
He said the Liberal election platform promised small temporary deficits to finance infrastructure investment. He said after three and a half years of this Liberal government we have seen no meaningful infrastructure investments despite ever-ballooning deficits.
Nater promised to continue to advocate on behalf of the nine municipalities and two counties within Perth—Wellington to ensure they receive their fair share of infrastructure funding that has been announced in past budgets but remains undelivered.
He added that while some funding was announced for compensation for supply-managed farmers impacted by CETA and the TPP, the budget was silent on fixing the shortcomings of the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, addressing the concerns over the suite of business risk management programs, solving ongoing export problems, or addressing issues caused by crop damage or livestock loss.
“Since the day I was elected, I have prioritized the need for reliable, high-speed internet. Yet today’s budget failed to even acknowledge that local internet service providers have been waiting since fall 2016 to hear the results from the Connect to Innovate Program,” said Nater. “Today’s announcement of targets for high-speed internet by 2030 has no basis in reality given the Liberal track record."