I am thrilled to vote for our new Government’s Budget today, and I wanted to take a moment to share just a few of the reasons why (sorry in advance for the long post).
It is no secret that Canada is facing serious global challenges. But in the face of those challenges, Canadians are standing together, from coast to coast to coast, choosing unity and showing the world our strength. While some members of the Opposition seem more focused on infighting and division, this Budget is about bringing Canadians together and building a stronger, stable future.
First, this Budget takes real action on housing. We are investing over $25 billion over the next five years to help build more homes faster, with a strong focus on affordable housing for Canadians. Folks need good homes to live and thrive in, and this funding will help deliver exactly that.
We are also strengthening Canada’s defence through generational investments and protecting our sovereignty, and here in Nova Scotia, that means good jobs. Just look at the River-class Destroyer project: this project alone is expected to create or maintain more than 5,000 jobs over the next 15 years, many of them right here in Dartmouth—Cole Harbour and across HRM. Thousands more spinoff jobs will support workers and businesses across our province, from skilled trades and engineering to advanced manufacturing and research. Increasing defence spending means more good jobs just like this.
To help keep those jobs in Canada, our new Buy Canadian Policy will mean that when federal dollars are spent, Canadian suppliers will be chosen by default whenever possible. That is good news for workers, for innovation, and for businesses right here at home.
We are also positioning Canada to lead in the low-carbon economy. Through our new Climate Competitiveness Strategy, we are leveraging renewable energy, including offshore wind, and turning it into prosperity and opportunity for Canadians.
We are continuing to support seniors through the New Horizons for Seniors Program, which helps reduce isolation, promotes healthy aging, and keeps older Canadians active and engaged in their communities. These investments help seniors thrive in the communities they helped build.
And we are taking meaningful action to advance equality and safety. Budget 2025 provides increased ongoing funding of $660.5 million over five years for the Department for Women and Gender Equality to support women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people. This stable, ongoing funding will help us take better federal action to address gender-based violence here in Nova Scotia and across the country.
Finally, this Budget protects the social programs Canadians hold dear, from the Canada Child Benefit and the Canadian Dental Care Plan, to affordable child care and Old Age Security. We are making sure these supports remain strong and stable for generations to come, while keeping Canada’s finances on solid footing.
There is a lot of work ahead, but this Budget moves us in the right direction, and I am excited for what it will mean for folks here at home.
