The Federal government has announced 21 point 5 billion dollars in new spending over the next six years.
The budget includes the creation of an advisory council to implement national pharmacare, but there was no money attached to the initiative.
Retired Vancouver Island University, political science professor, Allan Warnke says a national pharmacare program was promised by the Liberals 25 years ago and most recently it’s been championed by the NDP…..
There was also no money attached to a statement the finance minister made on pay equity but bill morneau did promise legislation would be coming on that front this year.
Also in the budget, 5 weeks extra leave for two-parent families under the EI Parental Sharing and one point 3 billion dollars over 5 years to conserve land, waterways and wildlife and protect species at risk.
there was money in the budget for the opioid crisis, new funding for First Nations Child and Family Services, and 172 million dollars over three years for clean drinking water on reserves.
NDP MLA Nic Simons, who represents Sunshine Coast Powell River was a social worker for the Sechelt First Nation.
He says the 1 point four billion dollars, over six years for First Nations child and family services is a step in the direction.
Simons says there is a higher proportion of the indigenous youth in the child welfare system and he hopes the commitment by the federal government will address that issue.
