"The Harper budget fails to address the needs of the people of Vancouver Kingsway," says Don Davies, the NDP candidate for MP in Vancouver Kingsway. "It fails working and middle class families and it is imbalanced in favour of corporations and the wealthy."
Davies pointed out that the budget collects 12 percent more from individual Canadians, and 14 percent less from profitable corporations.
"The budget gives a six dollar tax break to profitable corporations for every dollar in new spending," he said. "And B.C. families will pay for tax giveaways to oil companies and banks that are already reporting record profits."
Davies said that this budget ignores the most pressing needs of the voters in his riding.
"I've been talking to many constituents - most of whom are struggling. They are telling me they need affordable housing, daycare spaces and help with rising drug costs. And they want real action on climate change from the federal government.
"This budget does nothing to address these issues," Davies said.
Davies pointed out that the budget fails to train a single doctor, fails to provide for even one new child care space, and fails to build a single unit of affordable housing.
"And most families in Kingsway need to spend every cent of their incomes to survive - so creating a 'savings account' has no real value," Davies said.
Davies also said it is "sad but not surprising" that Liberal leader Stéphane Dion has decided to support such a massive transfer of wealth from people to the corporate sector.
"Mr. Dion is losing all credibility as an opposition leader. He's showing Canadians that he is no different than Mr. Harper," Davies said.
Davies also called on MP David Emerson to explain to Kingsway voters why there is so little in the budget for their needs.
"Mr. Emerson claimed his floor-crossing would be good for voters. Perhaps he can explain to our constituents why this budget does so little for their needs."
