Federal budget was low key

By Brent Fox

The Hants Journal/NovaNewsNow.com

The federal budget left many pundits unimpressed as far as Nova Scotia sectors are concerned.

Announcing the document Tuesday, Feb. 26, Federal finance Minister Jim Flaherty said the budget shows responsible leadership for uncertain times.

Kings-Hants MP Scott Brison disagrees. He said, “it’s kind of a do-nothing budget.” It has a scattered approach, he said. There was nothing definite on any issue.

Brison said, “the last budget attacked Atlantic Canada. This budget ignores us. I guess that’s certainly an improvement.”

As for aid to agriculture, Brison said even the assistance offered beef and pork producers will only lead them to acquire more debt.

Concerning the amount going to the debt, Brison said the government is getting too close to a deficit situation. The country is only one emergency or economic downturn away from a deficit.

Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) vice president for Atlantic Canada Leanne Hachey said, from a small-business point of view, “it was a smart budget.” She noted that, combined with the tax reductions announced last October, it’s safe and prudent.

She welcomed the move to making mileage accounting easier for businesses and putting EI under a Crown corporation. And gas tax funding for infrastructure will help Nova Scotia, despite the small population size. “Atlantic Canada is small, so we won’t get a lot. But every little bit helps.”

As well, paying down the debt will benefit the country’s credit rating and finances and there will be a graduated penalty system for those who inadvertently run afoul of the Canadian Revenue Agency.

As for disappointments, Hachey said the CFIB was looking for more tax relief.

“There were no big, significant announcements,” she said.

The budget includes paying down the debt; strengthening the country’s tax advantage through tax reductions; making the gas tax to fund municipal infrastructure permanent; and assisting communities at risk through the Community Development Trust. The budget includes as well a new savings program for taxpayers.

The approximately $242 billion budget will leave a $2.3 billion surplus, which would go toward the national debt.

There are monies for the manufacturing sector, as well as for development in the currently struggling auto sector based in Ontario.

There are additional funds for student aid, including extending the RESP program to age 35; hiring additional police personnel at provincial levels; public transit infrastructure; and aboriginal drinking water projects.