MP Blaney prepares for federal budget Thursday

North Island-Powell River MP Rachel Blaney will be looking for a number of key investments in the upcoming federal budget to be presented by the Liberal government this Thursday.

A top priority for Blaney is to see funding for commitments made in the confidence and supply agreement between the NDP and Liberals, including the rolling out of a national dental care plan, and significant investments in housing and to address the climate crisis.

“This is the first opportunity for the Liberals to show that they are serious about the commitments they made in the agreement,” said Blaney. “We’ll be watching that very closely.”

As the NDP’s critic for veterans, Blaney also wants to see confirmation of funding announced by Veterans Affairs Canada to make temporary hires permanent in order to address the backlog of disability claims by veterans. She’d also like to see commitments to support women in the military in order to meet the 25% recruitment goal, increased support to address the growing number of homeless veterans, and budgeting for the elimination of the marriage after 60 clause that impacts survivor pension benefits.

For seniors issues, where Blaney is also the NDP’s spokesperson, she is hoping to see meaningful increases to OAS and GIS for all seniors, not just those over 75, as well as the implementation of a National Seniors Strategy, and a care guarantee for seniors in long term care and their families.

A focus on equitable funding for rural and remote communities is also a priority for Blaney, including effective support for workers in transitioning industries including aquaculture. This budget should also include allocations for opening the previously announced PacifiCan office in Campbell River, which Blaney pushed for last year.

“The budget is where we see what the priorities really are. There are a number of things I’ll be looking for that would make a difference in peoples lives,” said Blaney. “I want to see the government following through on their commitments, and putting people first.”