Those worried the socialist hordes would ramp up their taxing of the rich and open the floodgates to spending on the Nanny State’s pet projects didn’t see their fears realized in Tuesday’s provincial budget.
Put another way, NDP allies who waited through long years of Liberal austerity and hoped for a smashing of the piggy bank also saw their wish lists significantly curtailed.
The budget this week created no particular fireworks, though in financial matters, boring is not necessarily bad. It was balanced and relatively unexciting.
Winners in Tuesday’s announcements included families with kids — some of whom will be in line for new tax credits, though not for at least a year — and those with student loans, who will see interest relief. Bigger promises like $10/day child care with its significant price tag remain goals vaguely off in the distance.
There were tweaks to disability and welfare rates but nothing substantial.
First Nations will receive some provincial revenue. But large changes to school and transit funding weren’t in the budget.
Most commentators described Tuesday’s offering as a stay-the-course status quo mid-term budget, short on shock value.
Which after the previous introduction of measures like the new school tax and speculation and vacancy tax may be precisely the point.
Simmer down, Finance Minister Carole James appeared to be saying. Situation normal.
Look for that to change as the NDP inches closer to election time.
For now, the government appears to be playing a long game.
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