Federal budget reinforces Regional priorities
Waterloo Region –Yesterday’s federal budget provided the Government of Canada’s plan to emerge and bounce back from COVID-19 and reinforced key priority areas for the Region of Waterloo.
The budget responds to some of the gaps exposed by the pandemic, including long-term care, mental health, sickness benefits and child care. As one of the country’s most important economic engines, the Region of Waterloo welcomes the supports unveiled for housing, businesses, and the most vulnerable in our communities.
“We’re encouraged that the federal government continues to flow funding directly to municipalities”, said Councillor Sean Strickland, Chair of Administration and Finance Committee. “Investments in affordable housing and a top-up of the Canada-Community Building Fund allow us to address resident priorities in a direct and timely way.”
One of the most significant initiatives for residents in yesterday’s federal budget is a five year, $30 billion commitment to child care. The proposed investment would reduce fees by 50 per cent in 2022, bringing fees to $10 per day by 2026.
“The federal government’s investment in child-care is great news for residents of Waterloo Region and beyond,” said Councillor Elizabeth Clarke, Chair of the Community Services Committee. “Regional Council is committed to increasing equitable access to high-quality child care for local families. We recently surveyed families to better understand their needs and how we can best work to improve access and equity across the childcare system and we look forward to putting this feedback to work.”
There were also initiatives that reinforce the Region’s vision for a more connected and inclusive community. These include commitments to greenhouse emission reduction, an action plan to end gender-based violence, and funding for Black-led initiatives to combat racism. There was also supports to help students, businesses and non-profits to emerge strongly from the pandemic.
“Waterloo Region’s economy will be vital to Canada’s post-pandemic recovery and at the Region of Waterloo, we continue to plan for beyond COVID-19,” said Regional Chair, Karen Redman. “The federal government’s investments reinforce our vision for a more connected and inclusive Waterloo Region. Together, we are building a strong local community that has global impact.”
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For further information, please contact:
Lynsey Slupieks, Manager, Corporate Communications