OTTAWA - For decades, successive Conservative and Liberal budgets have deepened inequalities and neglected crucial infrastructure, hurting Canadians from all walks of life.
Ahead of Budget 2024, the Green Party urges the government to take bold steps to increase its revenues and make war-time level investments to fund the caring society that Canadians deserve.
After decades of pro-corporate policies, the need for substantial investments in public services and infrastructure is critical. Canadians face a daunting array of challenges: a severe housing crisis, skyrocketing food costs, deepening poverty, especially among Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and the escalating threats of wildfires and extreme weather.
It is essential for large corporations, particularly those that profited immensely during the pandemic, to pay their fair share. Ending the $18.7 billion in federal subsidies to the profit-rich oil and gas sector is a critical first step. Reinvesting those funds in proven solutions—such as non-market cooperative housing—can begin to provide much-needed relief for Canadians across the country.
"In a country as wealthy as Canada, it is unconscionable that many struggle to afford basic necessities," said Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party. "We need immediate action, not further delays. This upcoming budget is a chance for the Liberal-NDP alliance to show they've learned that nine years of empty, recycled promises are not enough."
Green Party Priorities for Budget 2024-2025:
- Fully funding the Canada Disability Benefit to end legislated poverty for Canadians with disabilities.
- Double the investment in social housing to rapidly increase the supply of truly affordable homes for all.
- Implement real Pharmacare, guaranteeing access to essential medications for all Canadians.
- Build a national electricity grid to end our dependence on fossil fuels, stimulate job creation, and promote economic growth.
- Invest in community resilience and emergency preparedness to protect homes and families through increasingly intense wildfire seasons and forecasted extreme weather events.
- Commitment to overseas development assistance
"The challenges we face are not new. In the past, Canadians tackled them head-on by taxing corporations appropriately, growing government revenues, and making enormous investments to build the caring society we’re on the verge of losing," added Jonathan Pedneault, Deputy Leader. "The same kind of decisive action that served us well in past crises can guide us today. The stakes are just as high.”
"Budgets are about priorities. It is past time to prioritize essential support for Canadians over subsidizing Big Oil.” emphasized MP Mike Morrice. "A 15% windfall tax on oil and gas, similar to one already applied to banks and life insurance companies in the pandemic, would generate $4.2 billion on 2022 profits alone – all of which could be invested into affordability measures for Canadians.”
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For more information or to arrange an interview :
Fabrice Lachance Nové
Press secretary
514-463-0021
