The upcoming federal budget release on November 4 will require the Liberal government to collaborate with at least one other party for its passage. Opposition parties are beginning to outline their expectations for the budget. Conservative employment critic Garnett Genuis proposed measures to enhance job opportunities for young workers facing high unemployment rates. Genuis emphasized the importance of addressing this issue and suggested incorporating their ideas into the budget.
The proposed plan by Genuis includes enhancing government student assistance programs for students seeking work in high-demand fields and providing incentives for businesses in labor-shortage regions to construct homes for workers. While Genuis did not confirm if their party’s support for the budget hinges on the inclusion of their proposal, he emphasized presenting constructive recommendations for the government’s consideration.
Bloc Québécois finance critic Jean-Denis Garon listed key demands for their party’s support, such as increased federal health transfers, infrastructure investments, expansion of housing initiatives, interest-free loans for first-time homebuyers, and boosting Old Age Security payments for individuals aged 65 to 75. Garon asserted that their proposals are financially self-sufficient, suggesting potential savings by cutting subsidies to the oil and gas industry.
Interim NDP Leader Don Davies expressed the party’s focus on significant investments in job creation, healthcare, and housing without specifying particular items. Davies emphasized the need for an “investment budget” over an “austerity budget” in alignment with the party’s vision for the country’s future. Budget votes are critical as failure to pass could lead to a government collapse, potentially necessitating a new election. Davies mentioned that the decision to trigger an election based on the budget lies with Prime Minister Carney.
In considering their stance on the budget, opposition parties may choose to abstain from the vote to neither endorse the Liberals nor force a government downfall.