My Statement on Budget 2023
Ottawa, ON
March 29th, 2023
Blaine Calkins, Member of Parliament for Red Deer – Lacombe, issued the following statement regarding the Budget 2023:
“Budget 2023 has yet again shown how out of touch Trudeau government is with the day-to-day struggles of Canadians. This budget continues the trend of higher taxes and inflationary deficits that have become characteristic of Justin Trudeau’s government.”
“As Conservatives, we had three clear demands for Budget 2023: to end the war on work and lower taxes for workers, to end inflationary deficits that are driving up the cost of goods, and to remove gatekeepers that hinder the building of homes for Canadians. However, none of these demands have been met, and as a result, we cannot support this anti-worker, tax-hiking, inflationary budget.”
“It is disheartening to see the Liberal government continue with their war on work by increasing taxes, which ultimately punishes workers for their hard work. Justin Trudeau’s inflationary spending has caused the cost of food and groceries to skyrocket, leaving one in five Canadians skipping meals and relying on food banks for basic necessities. Trudeau’s proposed “grocery rebate” of $234 for a single adult is simply not enough to cover the rising cost of food caused by his inflationary deficits.”
“Additionally, the increase in payroll taxes on workers and small businesses this year is particularly troubling. Workers making above $66,600 will be forced to pay an extra $255 through the mandatory Canada Pension Plan tax, and an extra $50 through the Employment Insurance tax. This is a $305 increase that will significantly impact Canadian workers already struggling to make ends meet.”
“Furthermore, Justin Trudeau’s carbon tax will increase to 14 cents per litre on April 1st, making it more expensive for Canadians to heat their homes and commute to work. The cost of the carbon tax, even after rebates, is projected to be between $402 and $847 for the average family in 2023.”
“Canada’s Conservatives are committed to supporting hard-working Canadians and their families. Therefore, we will be voting against this anti-worker, tax-hiking, inflationary budget. We need to ensure that our government works for us and not against us. It’s time to make Canada work for the people who work.”