The federal budget comes to 369 pages in total, so it’s safe to say not everyone has read the whole thing. And from his comments on Feb. 28, it would seem our MP is among that number. So let’s talk about coastal communities in B.C.
The 2018 budget will see $150 million for small craft harbours, with a further $100 million in 2019. There are 14 harbours in the mid-Island zone of the Harbour Authority Association of B.C. Both Port Hardy and Powell River are mentioned by name in the budget. There’s also $100 million this year to improve internet access in rural communities in Canada with LEO satellites. As well, $189 million will be allocated for indigenous self-government, and eight per cent of the riding are First Nations.
As for why the provinces can move faster than the federal government on housing, Mr. Johns might be interested to learn that under the Constitution Acts, housing falls under the purview of the provinces. Federal involvement with housing outside of the CMHC and legacy funding for social housing ended in 1996. The national housing strategy created by the government is starting from scratch.
Perhaps the NDP, over a million dollars in debt after spending 150 per cent of its revenue in the 2016 election, should learn from its mistake instead of advocating for “spend first, ask questions later” to become the policy of the government.
Mr. Johns can debate priorities in the budget, and there’s ample room to do so. But misleading people is beneath the dignity of the office he holds.
Scott Harrison
Qualicum Beach