Conservative do-nothing budget fails to meet the needs of families

Conservatives are once again putting their own interests first in their latest budget. They have delayed implementing real help for families until 2015 -- when it serves their political ends best -- and are bullying provinces into accepting their views, in particular concerning skills training.

“While families are struggling to make ends meet, the Conservatives are playing petty politics by delaying important measures until next year, simply because it’s an electoral year. Mr Flaherty is going to have to explain to families why they’ll have to wait until 2015 to get a helping hand ,” said Official Opposition deputy Finance critic, Guy Caron (Rimouski-Neigette--Témiscouata--Les Basques).

In the latest budget, Minister Flaherty is attempting once again to unilaterally reduce funding for skills training and has announced that he will go ahead with his plan with or without the approval of provinces.

“New Democrats believe that provinces must be respected and consulted. Unfortunately, this budget will probably evoke negative reactions from Quebec’s political class. The NDP had proposed practical, low-cost solutions that would have helped give families a fair break right now. We are truly disappointed,” added NDP Quebec caucus chair, Robert Aubin (Trois-Rivières).