When the Trending 55 Newsroom asked Chris Warkentin about the federal budget tabled this week, the first word he used was “incoherent.”
The Grande Prairie-Mackenzie MP says the budget runs another massive deficit, but has no plan to kick-start the economy.
“This document has nothing in terms of a long-term fiscal plan, nothing in terms of a long-term economic recovery plan,” explains Warkentin.
“There is nothing to bring long-term prosperity and opportunity to places like the Peace Country.”
Part of the budget includes over $101 billion in renewable energy investments meant to transition to a green economy.
Also included in the document is the extension of pandemic-related supports for businesses into the fall.
The liberals also included $30 billion towards a national childcare program as well.
Warkentin acknowledges the deficit is lower this year at a projected $154.7 billion this fiscal year, about $200 billion lower than 2020-21, but adds that paying the interest is a massive cost.
“Right now, we are paying billions of dollars to bondholders and foreign interests on the debt,” explains the Tory MP.
Warkentin also mentions that he has heard a lot from residents in the riding, and they are looking for opportunities.
“They want a government that will set them free to create jobs, opportunity, and long-term prosperity,” mentions Warkentin.
“That (jobs) is the primary driver for economic development and prosperity in every part of our country and to have such limited elements of the budget addressing any of that is disturbing.”
– Kenny Trenton, Trending 55 Newsroom
