Budget 2023: Affordability, health care and clean economy

Yasir Naqvi MP Ottawa Centre

Spring is here! I hope you and your family and friends are spending time outdoors and enjoying the beautiful weather.

Recently, the Government of Canada released Budget 2023, which delivers targeted and temporary inflation relief to those who need it most. Canadians are facing serious challenges including a high cost of living, a warming planet and a brutal war in Europe. Inflation has fallen eight months in a row and average wages are up, but we all know our vulnerable friends and neighbours are still struggling with higher prices.

I am pleased to share that Budget 2023 continues our work to make life more affordable, strengthen our universal public health care system and build a clean economy.

Here is how we are investing in our community:

• Introducing a new Grocery Rebate to make up for the higher prices without fuelling inflation. That’s money directly into the pockets of 11 million Canadians who need it most, with up to an extra $467 for a family of four. Single Canadians without children could receive up to $234, and seniors could receive an extra $225.

• Announcing the new Canadian Dental Care Plan which will provide coverage for up to nine (9) million uninsured Canadians with annual family income of less than $90,000.

• Strengthening our Health Care System by providing more than $198 billion over the next 10 years to improve health care for Canadians. Whether it’s ensuring you can access a primary care team or getting into surgery quicker, we are addressing gaps in the system to help you and your family get high-quality care.

• Investing in Mental Health Support by proposing to invest $158.4 million over three years in the Public Health Agency of Canada to support the implementation and operation of 988, a dedicated suicide prevention line.

• Investing in Substance Use Prevention by proposing to provide $359.2 million over five years to support a renewed Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy, which would guide the government’s work to save lives and protect the health and safety of Canadians.

• Investing in a Greener Economy with new tax credits for projects in clean electricity, clean technology manufacturing and clean hydrogen. Requirements attached to those credits ensure good wages for workers and apprenticeship opportunities.

• Supporting Students with a 40-per-cent increase to the Canada Student Grants, providing full-time students with up to $4,200. We are also making all Canada Student Loans and Canada Apprentice Loans permanently interest-free, including ones being repaid right now. Learn more about Budget 2023 at Canada.ca/Budget, and please do not hesitate to contact my community office for further information. We are here to help you.