Freeland Has ‘Positive Discussion’ with NDP Finance Critic Regarding Budget Support
The New Democrats have yet to announce their decision on voting for the Liberals’ proposed 2024 bill. Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland mentioned that she had discussions with the NDP’s finance critic over the weekend.
Ms. Freeland was in Montreal on April 22 after visiting a start-up company and responded to questions from reporters about the NDP’s stance on the federal budget.
“We have been in dialogue with the NDP throughout the budget-building process,” she stated. “I had a productive conversation with my finance critic, Don Davies, over the weekend.”
While not explicitly stating whether she expected the NDP to support the budget, Ms. Freeland expressed hope that MPs from all parties would endorse the proposed expenditures.
During a press conference on April 22, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh conveyed that his party had not yet made a decision on the budget. He cited positive aspects like pharmacare and renter protection but mentioned concerns about low disability benefits.
“We are waiting to hear the prime minister and the Liberals’ response to our concerns before making a decision,” he added.
Related Stories
If the NDP decides not to support the budget, it could lead to the breakdown of the supply and confidence agreement between the NDP and the Liberals that is currently upholding the Liberal government until June 2025.
Given that the Conservatives and the Bloc Québécois have declared their intention to oppose the budget, the withdrawal of NDP votes may suggest a loss of confidence in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government and trigger a snap federal election.
Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet expressed confidence last week that Mr. Singh and the NDP would endorse the budget. “We already know how things will play out. Mr. Singh will justify his continued support for the Liberals,” he stated.
Environmental initiatives have been a focal point as the Liberal government seeks to promote investment in renewable energy through tax incentives.
Ms. Freeland was questioned about tax credits for major auto manufacturers like Honda, which is reportedly planning to establish an electric vehicle battery plant near its auto manufacturing facility in Alliston, Ont., according to The Canadian Press. While she did not specifically address Honda, she noted, “Our investment tax credits are instrumental in attracting investments to Canada.”
The EV tax credit outlined in the 2024 budget would cover 10 percent of the construction costs of buildings used for electric vehicle manufacturing, with the Financial Post indicating that this move was strategically aimed at attracting Honda.
