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NEWS Budget takes 'positive steps' to address gender gap: mayor • C on tinued fro m page 22 "I applaud the federal gov­ ernment for recognizing that Canada's economy and success is tied to the equality of opportunity to work and earn a good liv­ ing. "I am pleased that the budget also addresses the current #MeToo move­ ment with investments in a strategy aimed at elimi­ nating gender-based vio­ lence and harassment and a new national unit of the RCMP to review 'unfound­ ed' sexual assault cases." Nonetheless, he wasn't pleased the budget didn't address the lack of afford­ able housing. "I'm disappointed the federal government has remained silent on the challenges of affordable housing in Canada," said the mayor. "It is critical that we address this issue "After almost three years of Justin Trudeau, the reality is that: Never has a Prime Minister boasted so loudly, and spent so much, to achieve so little." M ilton MP Lisa Raitt in a timely manner. The problem will not go away on its own." The Oakville Chamber of Commerce said the bud­ get was big on spending, and short on growth. The government's fiscal plan is primarily focused on spending - new spending initiatives and enhanced spending for programs that aim to support low-wage Canadians, address gen­ der inequality, support First Nations develop­ ment, strengthen Indige­ nous rights and self-deter­ mination, promote skills and research, improve health and environmental stewardship and enhance justice and security. Some of the spending initiatives announced will help business, particular­ ly women entrepreneurs and small businesses, but they are limited in scope, noted the Oakville Cham­ ber in a release. There are also some important im­ provements in govern­ ment policies - particular­ ly with respect to the tax treatment of small busi­ ness and the simplifica­ tion of business support programs business and the simplification of busi­ ness support programs, said the local business group. OAKVILLE'S NEWEST RETIREMENT COMMUNITY IS N O W OPEN! D is c o v e r e v e ry th in g that o u r re s id e n c e has to offer. C A L L 289-644-2951 TO DAY TO BO O K AN APPOINTM ENT. 2160 Baronwood Dr., Oakville 289-644-2951 CHARTwell.coM I r C H A R T W e ll WATERFORD retirement residence $2,500 WEIGHT LOSS GRANT Do You Have More than 20 lbs to Lose? - Apply No\ www.weighllossgranls.org Valid For Most Weight Loss Programs • No Cost or Fee to Apply • Approval within 48 Hours • Thousands Paid Monthly! • See Website for Application Deadline. Please visit www.weightlossgrants.org for full Guidelines, Terms & Conditions. £3 | O akville B eaver | Thursday, M arch 8, 2018 insidehalton.com http://www.weighllossgranls.org http://www.weightlossgrants.org OAKVILLE'S NEWEST RETIREMENT COMMUNITY Ir $2,500 WEIGHT LOSS GRANT Do You Have More than 20 lbs to Lose? - Apply No\ Valid For Most Weight Loss Programs • No Cost or Fee to Apply • Approval within 48 Hours • Thousands Paid Monthly! • See Website for Application Deadline.