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MP's REPORT: Top Points from Budget 2016


By Kyle Peterson, MP
Newmarket-Aurora

Last week, I had the opportunity to deliver a speech in support of Budget 2016.
I was proud to rise in the House of Commons to highlight some of the many features of the Budget. Four key elements that I chose to underline were the investments in infrastructure, children, seniors, and arts and culture. These investments in Canada, and in Canadians, will help deliver long-term economic growth to our nation.
These were also some of the priorities we heard during Canada-wide pre-budget consultations, including here in Aurora.
These investments will be targeted to those who need help the most - our children and our seniors, and to areas that are well deserving - infrastructure and arts and culture.
Through an increase in the infrastructure and strategic investments, this government is working to help facilitate and create good, well-paying jobs and meet the growing needs of Canadian communities.
In Phase 1 of its infrastructure plan, Budget 2016 invests $11.9 billion starting right away to build roads, bridges, improve public transit, improve water and wastewater facilities and refurbish affordable housing.
This will create tens of thousands of jobs and boost the economy. Of particular importance to our community, this includes $3.4 billion over the next three years in public transit.
Perhaps delivering the most dramatic impact to Canadians will be the Canada Child Benefit. This targeted, income-tested approach will lift 300,000 children out of poverty. Think of the significance of that investment - 300,000 more Canadian children now with opportunity and hope.
This government has made a clear commitment to improving the lives of Canadians. A key element of this commitment is improving the quality of life for seniors.
An increase to the Guaranteed Income Supplement Top-up benefit for single seniors, of up to $947 annually, will help lift low-income single seniors out of poverty. This measure represents an investment of over $670 million per year and will improve the financial security of about 900,000 single seniors across Canada.
Finally, in 2017 Canada, and all Canadians, will be celebrating the 150th anniversary of Confederation. Supporting arts and culture is something that many Canadians find so important. This government emphasized a clear commitment to this attitude in Budget 2016.
Budget 2016 will ensure that our country's heritage is celebrated and shared. This budget will immediately work to support local communities' operational and preservation needs through enhancements to various funding projects. Investing in the Canadian cultural sector helps to create jobs, strengthens the economy and ensures that our unique Canadian stories are shared with the world.
On a closing note, by the time you are reading this, I will be in Manitoba after spending the week in Vancouver, Calgary, Saskatoon, before heading to Winnipeg. As a member of the International Trade Committee I was participating in the Trans-Pacific Partnership Public Consultations.
The Committee will be hearing from as many Canadians as possible before providing a report to Parliament. If you want to make a submission or want any more details, please visit www.parl.gc.ca/Committees/en/CIIT or email your submissions to ciit-tpp-ptp@parl.gc.ca.

As a reminder, you can reach out to my office and my staff at any time. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you need any information or help. We are located at 16600 Bayview Avenue, Suite 202. You can reach us at 905-953-7515 or by email at Kyle.Peterson@parl.gc.ca.
Post date: 2016-04-20 21:01:00
Post date GMT: 2016-04-21 01:01:00
Post modified date: 2016-05-05 09:10:58
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