The Canadian Federal Budget reintroduced on June 6 is essentially a repeat of the rejected March budget with a few key additions.
Slight enhancements to the Guaranteed Income Supplement for low-income seniors and couples, a $2,000 family caregiver tax credit, a $3,000 volunteer firefighter tax credit, and incentives for doctors and nurses working in rural areas are among the items Yorkton-Melville MP Garry Breitkreuz thinks will be of the most benefit to residents of his constituency.
The budget also contains a few new commitments to the commercial sector, including an EI hiring credit of up to $1,000.
"This is going to create jobs and continue to ensure that the economy continues to recover from one of the biggest global recessions since the 1930s," said Breitkreuz.
The budget's proposal to forgive up to $40,000 in student loans for physicians and up to $20,000 for nurses who choose to work in rural and remote areas is expected to make recruitment for these positions in many parts of Saskatchewan easier.
Sunrise Health Region interim CEO Suann Laurent declined to make any specific comment on the new incentive, but said she is pleased with the budget as a whole.
"There's lots of good things in the federal budget that will help to drive success for Saskatchewan."
For municipalities, the most significant promise fulfilled by the budget is the enshrinement of the Gas Tax Fund into permanent legislation, which adds stability to the long-term funding of communities.
"Our biggest need, of course, is always infrastructure," said Yorkton's Mayor James Wilson. "We know those dollars are going to be there, so that's appreciated, that's for sure."
The most controversial addition to the budget is likely the phasing out of per-vote subsidies for political parties. The move is expected to hit the Conservatives' political opponents the hardest, as they lack the Tories' strong fundraising base.
"I really don't think it's going to have a major impact, but it will ensure that everybody will be treated equally," Breitkreuz said.
Asked if he was worried the change will reduce the political voice of voters who cannot afford to donate, Breitkreuz said it should not be a concern.
"If they vote for that party, we feel that in a democracy you should be willing to support them as well."
The budget projects a $32.2 billion deficit in the upcoming year, but the Conservatives have pledged to return to balance by the fiscal year 2015.
Watchdog groups such as the Canadian Taxpayers Federation have criticized the government for failing to reduce spending in the near-term or provide a clear plan to cut spending over the next five years.
But Breitkreuz said he is certain his party can fulfill its promise to eventually balance the budget.
"We will have to find ways to cut back on government spending without raising taxes, but it's absolutely doable, and people that have analyzed our numbers support that."
The budget is expecwt breaks for the summer later this month.
