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Budget Reaction

Tuesday, 11 February 2014 at 17:44

Oxford's MP offers insight on his highlights of the federal budget.

Oxford MP Dave MacKenzie says today's federal budget is great for young people in Canada.

In speaking with Heart FM from Parliament Hill this afternoon, following delivery of the federal budget, MacKenzie says there are highlights in this budget that will help create future jobs in Oxford County.  "Certainly for our young people, having this enhancing apprenticeship opportunities and funding for young people, trying to match those skills with available jobs, I think is huge.  There's also additional money for the Automotive Innovation Fund."

The Canada Apprentice Loan program would give registered apprentices up to $4,000 worth of interest-free loans while they undergo their training.  The government expects the program to cost $25.2 million over the first two years and $15.2 million per year after that.

MacKenzie says there's also money for seniors in the form of "New Horizons" program funding.  Organizations that provide programs for seniors will be able to apply for that funding later this year.

Other highlights from the budget today includes a $4 hike in the tax on a carton of cigarettes.  MacKenzie says it is not a case of the government penalizing people for their personal choices.  "The real thing is, the healthcare costs are going up.  Many other countries are doing the same things in trying to cut the consumption of tobacco.  And I think it's one of those things that young people will find it more prohibitive to smoke."

The increase will reap government 685-million dollars in 2014-15.  That will help decrease the federal deficit to $2.9-Billion.

MacKenzie expects the country will be in surplus territory next year.

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