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11| The IFP -H alton H ills | T hursday,M arch 8,2018 theifp.ca Wellington-Halton Hills MP Michael Chong says for Halton Hills residents who have been feeling financially squeezed, it's not just their imaginations talking - they have the Trudeau Liberals to blame. His comments come after Finance Min- ister Bill Morneau tabled the third federal budget In Ottawa on Feb. 27, titled Equality and Growth: A Strong Middle Class. The budget, which forecasts a $18.1-bil- lion deficit in the upcoming fiscal year (in- cluding $3 billion for risk), takes as its main theme gender equality, with a prima- ry focus on closing the gender gap in the workplace. "It's a budget that doesn't create growth and prosperity for Canadians," Chong said, citing the numbers for projected real GDP per capita growth over the next three years: one per cent, 0.4 per cent and 0.5 per cent. "We have essentially zero economic growth over the next few years based on the budget's own projections and the gov- ernment is spinning the numbers and try- ing to put a good face on it," Chong said. "But the reality is, the per capita growth projected for the next three years is barely above zero . and that's why many people are struggling." The government is proposing $1.2 bil- lion to go toward a new five-week "use-it- or-lose-it" paternity leave, over the next five years, with the intent to give more women the option of returning to work ear- lier after giving birth. The budget also proposes legislation to ensure equal pay for equal work among federal government employees, and others who work in federally-regulated indus- tries, though an amount allocated for said legislation has yet to be indicated. Morneau announced the government will also be dedicated to improving living conditions throughout Indigenous com- munities, through allocating an additional $172.6 million over three years toward clean drinking water and $1.4 billion over six years for First Nations Child and Fami- ly Services. Other main aspects of the budget in- clude almost $4 billion in funding for sci- ence, $507.7 million for a new national strategy on cybersecurity and $50 million to aid non-governmental organizations that support local journalism, all over the next five years. Chong says what he would have liked to see is the government upholding their commitment to invest in Canada's aging infrastructure, as well as a plan to return to budget balance - a plan he says the Liber- als have been vague on. "When families in Halton Hills are struggling - when they feel they are strug- gling to pay the monthly bills - it's not just their imagination. We have very anemic economic growth," Chong added. "And that's despite the fact that the gov- ernment is spending a lot of money that we don't have. They are borrowing a lot of money to spend on things that aren't mak- ing a real difference in people's lives. The budget has no plan to return to budget bal- ance." CANADA Michael Chong calls out Liberals on federal budget VERONICA APPIA vappia@metroland.com Wellington-Halton Hills MP Michael Chong says for Halton Hills residents who have been feeling financially squeezed, it's not just their imaginations talking -- they have the Trudeau Liberals to blame. IFP file photo www.leathertownlumber.ca LEATHERTOWN LUMBER YOUR TRUSTED BUILDING SUPPLY PARTNER HOT BUY $79.99 WAS: $119.99 $74.99 WAS: $109.99 $2.99 WAS: $3.99PowerBolt Single Cylinder Touch Pad Deadbolt Use thumbturn inside and coded touch pad or key outside. Satin Nickel finish. SmartKey. 5172630 18 Volt 3/8-In. Cordless Drill Driver Kit 600 RPM, 135 in-Lbs. torque, 3/8" chuck. 15 clutch positions plus drilling mode, LED light & soft grip handle. Includes charger, (2) NiCd batteries, (2) double ended bits and carrying bag. 4500039 Concrete Sealant Fills and seals cracks in concrete and masonry. Repairs cracks in steps, driveways, sidewalks, mortar joints and similar surfaces. Light gray color. 9037607 LIMITED qUANTITY ON SALE ITEMS. WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. $109.99 chuck. 15 clutch positions plus drilling , (2) NiCd batteries, (2) Fallbrook Trail Ranch 905-873-6588 14097 Ninth Line Georgetown Anna & Gary Drummond info@fallbrooktrail.com www.fallbrooktrail.com March Break Camp 2018 Call to reserve a spot. Monday to Friday 9 am - 4:30 pm Extended care available Ages 4 and up Cost: $90/day or $400/week. Hot lunch available - $8/day