Thread by @ProfSmithSask

Some quick #Budget2019 thoughts: It seems odd that the government is doubling down on private home ownership. This seems like a gift to the banks. Why not invest in public social housing to help those most in need? #cdnpoli

Public infrastructure/housing would be an incredible stimulant to urban economies and provide secure stable housing for those in major (and smaller) urban centres. It would be a win/win.

Thus, a missed opportunity. One area that looks promising is the public investment in high speed internet. This is great for rural #cdnpoli, but I’m unclear if this is a gift to private telecoms or actual investment in long-term public infrastructure. If it is the former,

then it is a major gift to the private telecoms as much as it is a program for skills training and development. #cdnpoli

The Liberals are spending a lot on certain demographics to appeal to the so-called “middle class.” They’re doubling down on continued growth. It isn’t clear that those predictions are sound. But why not enhance revenue capacity now (i.e. raise taxes on wealth and business)

While times are good, and thus invest in social programs that will stabilize the growing inequality in #cdnpoli society (pharma, education, sustainable green jobs). Why double down on letting the market rule all of these issues?

I thought the money for Indigenous communities was long overdue and it would be nice to see the commitment to public infrastructure to those communities actually kept. Too many communities have to live with boil water advisories. I hope the Liberals live up to this commitment.

The green initiatives are incredibly weak. For a government committed to tackling climate change, I’m at a loss to explain why green infrastructure isn’t front and centre. There is no plan here. Very odd.

We hear a lot about the “middle class.” But what about working people? How will this budget assist them pay bills, access medicine, access education (and post-secondary) and achieve higher wages (or collective bargaining for higher wages?) I see little in this budget for them

The money directed for pharma is a disgrace. I’m so disappointed that this isn’t a #cdnpoli gov priority. Also, the central piece from 2015 (the Child Benefit) is an ok program, but where’s the commitment to public childcare (which would go a long way to assist working people)

And given the rise of really troubling racism and white-nationalism world wide, would it be too much to ask for the fed government to invest in anti-racist education? It seems long overdue.

There is more (gender parity, pay-equity, climate) and it is worth asking if the deficit is sustainable or if the banks will once again call the shots later with demands for austerity. How will the fiscal gap be addressed in the long-term (progressive taxation or austerity)??