Federal Budget 2021 Highlights & Impacts on Burlington

Yesterday the Federal Government tabled its first budget document in two years. Titled "A Recovery Plan for Jobs, Growth, and Resilience," at 739 pages this budget is a lot of information to digest with many meaningful implications for Canadians.Presented by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, the budget outlined $101.4 billion in new spending  aimed at supporting the country through COVID-19 and recovery, and stimulating the economy post-pandemic.There are countless new initiatives being announced, from supporting a green recovery to building safer and healthier Indigenous communities to new luxury taxes. As with any federal budget, there are and will be lots of controversy and differing opinions. You can read more of the high-level takeaways here.Ontario’s Big City Mayors also welcomed several investment priorities in the Federal 2021 budget -- read more about that here.As Mayor, my focus is on what this budget means for municipalities across the country like ours here in Burlington, as well as how it will impact the day-to-day lives of the people who live and work here.Some of the key takeaways include:

• • $30 billion over 5 years to create a Canada-wide childcare system that would cost $10/day. With many young families here in Burlington, this affordability will be welcomed news.
  • $3 billion over 5 years starting in 2022 to support provinces and territories in ensuring standards for long-term care are applied. With 10 long-term care homes here in Burlington, and many families with loved ones in homes across the province, we know better guidelines and support is needed to protect our beloved aging population.
  • $12 billion to extend COVID-19 emergency measures like the wage subsidy, rent subsidy and other lockdown supports until September 25, 2021. This is an essential need as we continue through the third wave of this pandemic.
  • $1 billion to support tourism sector businesses including supports for events and festivals. One of the best parts about Burlington is our wealth of community events, from the Sound of Music Festival to Canada Day celebrations and beyond. Helping this industry rebound will bring much needed joy and engagement back to our community post-Covid.
  • Additional funding for the National Housing Strategy to speed up assistance for affordable housing and homelessness. I look forward to seeing how this can support the Burlington Housing Strategy and Halton Region's Housing Strategy that are presently being worked on in partnership with our communities.
  • Zero-interest loans to help homeowners with deep energy retrofits to reduce energy consumption and GHG emissions. Our community is committed to protecting and preserving our environment and I know many residents will take advantage of this opportunity.
  • $1 billion over 6 years to support the Universal Broadband Fund to get more high-speed internet to rural and remote communities. With half of Burlington's land mass being rural, this is very welcomed news as we continue to advocate for more rural internet during a time when connectivity has never been more important.
  • $15 billion for transit including fleet electrification and zero-emission transit vehicles. As our city continues to evolve our transit plan to help our community's mobility without depending on cars, I look forward to seeing how we can leverage these funds.