Federal finance minister promotes pre-election fiscal plan

TORONTO (NEWS 1130) – Federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau has begun his budget roadshow on Wednesday to promote his pre-election fiscal plan.

The budget tries to squeeze in a little something for everyone before the fall vote and that means adding more than $20 billion in deficits over the next six years.

During his post-budget event, Morneau promoted measures like the immediate infrastructure cash for cities, the benefit to help people change careers, and the creation of the Canada Drug Agency with the aim of creating a Pharmacare plan.

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He also defended the incentives for first time home buyers which some argue doesn’t do enough to help people in hot housing markets like Toronto and Vancouver.

“We’re talking about first-time homebuyers, it’s giving people optimism that they can get into the market while being careful to ensure that we continue to have a stable housing market,” Morneau said.

Morneau asked if the Trudeau government doesn't return but he is re-elected, is he willing to sit in the opposition benches. Morneau says he's committed to running for the Liberals in the election and representing the people of Toronto Centre #cdnpoli

— Cormac Mac Sweeney (@cmaconthehill) March 20, 2019

He said the country is starting to see the results of the government’s long-term plan, “We’ve created together 900,000 new jobs in this country.”

The Conservatives have attacked the Liberals for breaking their deficit promise and have demanded Morneau map out a return to balanced books. They’ve accused the government of borrowing today on the backs of future generations.

“It’s just another part of his government part coverup,” Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer said.

New Democrat Leader Jagmeet Singh said the budget didn’t go far enough on universal pharmacare, skills training and pensions.