Malette, Kramp-Neuman react to Special Economic Statement

Two local MPs have issued statements on Tuesday’ Special Economic Statement.

Bay of Quinte MP Chris Malette praised his government’s plan, noting the Liberals have reduced their projected deficit for 2025-26 by more than $11 billion, while continuing to lower costs, support workers, build homes, strengthen industry and grow the economy.

He also highlighted the pause on the federal fuel excise tax, the launch of the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit and historic investments in National Defence, which is already having a real impact on the men and women serving at 8 Wing CFB Trenton.

Hastings-Lennox and Addington-Tyendinaga Conservative MP Shelby Kramp-Neuman says while the revised, smaller deficit is welcome news, it still represents a significant increase, adding nearly $67 billion to the federal deficit.

She still has major concerns about the lack of updates she calls key issues affecting Hastings-Lennox and Addington-Tyendinaga, including the ALTO High-Speed Rail project, and a more assertive commitment to a successful CUSMA review.

Statement from Bay of Quinte MP Chris Malette:

Canada’s Spring Economic Update is about fiscal responsibility while delivering real results for communities like Bay of Quinte.

Over the past year, Canadians have faced a rapidly changing world. In response, Canada’s new government is focused on what we can control: building a stronger, more independent and resilient economy here at home.

We have reduced our projected deficit for 2025-26 by more than $11 billion, while continuing to invest in what matters most: lowering costs, supporting workers, building homes, strengthening industry and growing our economy.

Here in Bay of Quinte, that means real support for families, workers and our local economy.

We are pausing the federal fuel excise tax to help lower prices at the pump, launching the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit to help with everyday costs, investing in skilled trades through Team Canada Strong and taking action to get more homes built faster.

We are also making historic investments in National Defence, which is already having a real impact on the men and women serving at 8 Wing CFB Trenton. Canada has reached the NATO 2% defence spending target five years ahead of schedule, while generational pay increases are helping drive Canadian Armed Forces recruitment to its highest level in 30 years.

This is about delivering for Bay of Quinte today while building a stronger future for tomorrow.

Canada’s new government is building a country that is strong, fair, independent and resilient. We are building Canada strong, for all.

Statement from Hastings-Lennox and Addington-Tyendinaga MP Shelby Kramp-Neuman:

The update provided by the government is a clear indicator that the Federal government intends to continue along its path of government largesse that they have laid out in their budget late last year.

While this year’s revised, smaller deficit is welcome news, it still represents a significant increase, adding nearly $67 billion to the federal deficit.

While this increase in spending is clearly the prerogative of the government, particularly now that they have secured a majority, it is essential that the governments programming agenda needs to be accompanied by fiscally responsible implementation.

I am encouraged to see provisions such as an increase to defence spending, and efforts to streamline the Disability Tax Credit, but have concerns by the lack of updates on key issues affecting Hastings-Lennox and Addington-Tyendinaga, including the ALTO High Speed Rail project, or a more assertive commitment to a successful CUSMA review.

Affected sectors, and Canadian jobs depending on the nearly one trillion dollars in trade with the United States, require clear and ongoing consultation during these sensitive weeks leading up to the July 1st deadline. Delays and uncertainty in this review carry real economic costs and risk slowly progress on a critical agreement.

That said, I remain committed to working with the government and my colleagues across Parliament to advance a plan that is both fiscally responsible and socially conscious for all Canadians.