Archived - Minister Morneau Takes Middle Class Message to Ottawa Business Leaders

March 23, 2016 – Ottawa, Ontario – Department of Finance

Minister of Finance Bill Morneau spoke with Ottawa business leaders today on the new Government of Canada’s first federal budget, Growing the Middle Class.

At the 2016 Post-Budget breakfast hosted by the Ottawa Business Journal and the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce, the Minister discussed the Government’s new approach to revitalizing the Canadian economy so that it works for the middle class, and those working hard to join it.

As one of its first actions, the Government introduced a tax cut for roughly 9 million middle class Canadians, and raised taxes for the wealthiest to help pay for it. Budget 2016 builds on this with a new Canada Child Benefit, which will put more money in the pockets of nine out of ten Canadian families, and lift hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty.

The Minister outlined these and other Budget 2016 measures in his speech, such as the Government’s vision to make Canada a global innovation leader, and opportunities for the country’s creative entrepreneurs and innovative companies to grow their businesses and enter global markets.

The Minister also highlighted the Government’s historic plan to invest more than $120 billion in infrastructure over the next 10 years, investments that will create a more modern, cleaner economy, a more inclusive society, and a country better positioned to compete globally.

Through Budget 2016, the National Capital Region and communities across the country will benefit from: $3.4 billion over three years for public transit through the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund; $5.0 billion over five years for green infrastructure to help protect the vitality of our lakes and rivers, and ensure the quality of our drinking water; and $3.4 billion over five years for affordable housing, early learning and child care, and cultural and recreational infrastructure.

The Minister noted that important investments would be made in the National Capital Region, in consultation with municipalities, the provinces of Ontario and Quebec, as well as other key stakeholders.

• The National Capital Region will directly benefit from:
  • Up to $156.4 million to expand the Canada Science and Technology Museum through the construction of a new collection and conservation centre;
  • Up to $114.9 million to support the renewal of the National Arts Centre; and
  • Up to $9.6 million over two years to undertake needed repairs to the National Gallery of Canada—especially the soaring windows—iconic to Ottawans and visitors alike.

• Budget 2016: Growing the Middle Class

Annie Donolo
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Finance
613-369-5696

Jack Aubry
Media Relations
Department of Finance
613-369-4000