It isn’t money in your pocket yet, but the Liberal promise for a tax cut for middle-income earners was called an “immediate priority” in the throne speech Friday.
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With Prime Minister Justin Trudeau looking on, Governor General David Johnston delivered the relatively brief speech in the red Senate chamber, setting out the broad direction and goals for this session of Parliament.
Dec 4 Canada’s Liberal government, unveiling its plans at the start of the new Parliament, promised on Friday to pursue a fiscal plan “that is responsible, transparent and suited to challenging economic times”. “I think Canadians have to be prepared for the fact that if they’re giving with one hand they’re going to take away with the other, it’s that simple”, she said.
The government also announced plans to provide significant investments in infrastructure, cut military spending, limit the budget deficit to 10 billion Canadian dollars ($7.5 billion) per year as well as to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“This is the fair thing to do, and the smart thing to do for Canada’s economy”, Johnston said. Among other measures, this will include implementing the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and launching an inquiry into missing and murdered aboriginals and girls.
Two commitments made during the campaign that are expected to be longer-term projects for the Liberals are electoral reform and marijuana legalization.
New environmental assessment processes with decisions based on scientific evidence.
The Liberals also promised to “renew” Canada’s commitment to “United Nations peacekeeping operations, and will continue to work with its allies in the fight against terrorism”.
Next year Canada could become the first country in the G7 group of the world’s leading economies to legalize marijuana as the government announces its plans in a speech to parliament.
“Canadians are confident people, we know who we are and we know what kind of country we want to live in”, said Johnston.
“We saw no mention of the agricultural sector, no mention of the auto sector, no mention of the energy sector”, said Ambrose.
In a statement after the throne speech, Mr. Trudeau said the government’s agenda was developed by Canadians and also reflects their priorities.
That also receive kudos from NDP Leader Tom Mulcair.
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The CMA is looking forward to working with Canada’s new government and all opposition parties to make life better for all Canadians, Dr. Forbes said.
