The federal government recently launched a National Consultation on Budget Actions to Protect Canada’s Economy. In the coming weeks, Canadians are invited to share their views and priorities on an economic stimulus plan for the 2009 Federal Budget.
Budget 2008, introduced last week, was billed as “Responsible Leadership.” Yet the values and priorities evident in the budget do not include measures to reduce poverty, address homelessness or protect the environment. Public justice calls governments to take responsibility on these issues – and Budget 2008 drastically failed to answer this call.
Federal budgets should inspire our deepest commitments as citizens; commitments to live out the values of compassion and solidarity. We share as a matter of public justice a responsibility to look out for, not just our own needs, but also for the needs of our neighbours. From this perspective, Budget 2007 leaves a lot more for which to aspire.
