British Columbia has fared well in the Federal budget,” says Ron Cannan, Member of Parliament for Kelowna-Lake Country.  Local families worried about the rising costs of healthcare, childcare and education will particularly notice a difference he said.

“British Columbians will see $4.7B in federal support in 2007/2008,” he said noting that it will include $3.1 billion for Health Care, $1.3 billion for childcare, and post secondary education.  Cannan also noted that $242 million for shared infrastructure costs will go to the Province and hopes that some of that funding will find its way to improving Highway 97.

“A new $2000 Child tax Credit for children under 18 will save BC parents $173.9 million and single parent families will also benefit additionally from the Working Income Tax Benefit which will provide $86.7 million in tax relief,” said Cannan.

The Government will also invest $250 million more per year to create child care spaces with the provinces on top of the $850 million invested annually in early childhood development and child care. And for families with children and dependents that are disabled the government is creating a new Registered Disability Savings Plan as well as an Enabling Accessibility Fund,” he said.

Cannan said he was pleased that BC will see funding for specific health issues such as reducing patient wait times and a vaccine program for women to protect them from cervical cancer.  Local mental health advocates will also be pleased to note that the Government is moving forward on its commitment to address mental health by establishing the Canadian Mental Health Commission.

“These are real, practical and necessary additions to Canadian healthcare,” said Cannan.

Others who will find support include seniors who will benefit from the government’s plan to raise the age for RRSP conversion to age 71 and the expansion of the New Horizons for Seniors program by $10 million per year.  He also noted the governments support for Status of Women, Veterans and Aboriginal Canadians.

Cannan said he was particular pleased by the government response to labour shortages in the Okanagan and elsewhere in Canada. 

“The local businesses that I met with just a few weeks ago who spoke to me about labour shortage will be happy to know that our federal government is investing $51 million into the Temporary Foreign Workers Program, $34 million to help Canadian-educated foreign students and skilled foreign workers stay in Canada as permanent residents, and $500 million per year in labour market training for people who are not eligible under employment insurance related training.   This will help our businesses tremendously,” he said.

I think the government has succeeded in striking a balance between fiscal responsibility and spending, between a healthy economy and a sustainable environment.  They are putting money down on the debt and helping the provinces meet the social needs of Canadians.  This is a government that knows its responsibilities and is in the business of creating the conditions that help Canadians get ahead, said Cannan. “We’re getting things done.”

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