February 23, 2005

Budget 2005: No real surprises

The Federal Budget, tabled in the House of Commons this afternoon, was pretty much as advertised. Finance Minister Ralph Goodale is still delivering the non-stop list of platitudes that passes for a budget speech which could be summarized simply:

"Move along... Nothing new to see here."

One wonders why they even bother delivering a budget speech when they have already leaked all the good stuff.

The "highlights:"


  • $1-billion for the "Clean Fund" to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

  • $4.7-billion over five years for the environment. Of that, $1-billion to cut greenhouse gas emissions and $200-million to increase use wind energy.

  • $3.4-billion more in international assistance

  • Increasing benefits for low-income seniors by $2.7 billion over five years.

  • $5-billion of the gas tax to be transferred to municipalities over the next five years.

  • $1-billion for national security.

  • $398-million over five years for immigrant settlement.

  • $60-million for a CBC bail out.

Further Reading:
Goodale presents election-style budget (CTV News)
Goodale delivers five-year plan (CBC News)
Budget Speech (PDF)
Budget in Brief (PDF)

Posted by maxthecat at February 23, 2005 04:10 PM

http://www.maxsmewsings.com/mt/archives/2005/02/budget_2005_no_real_surprises.php