Shockingly enough, the Liberal government's deficit budget ó which has nearly tripled beyond the party's campaign promise ó seems to have no shortage of support from groups and organizations throughout Canada.
Naturally some are opposed, such as the Conservative official Opposition, which ironically itself had run massive deficits when in government. But judging by the number of press releases sent out after the budget was tabled last week, those who are opposed represent a minority.
"The Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships (CCPPP) commends the Government of Canada for its historic commitment of more than $120 billion over 10 years in infrastructure investments announced in its 2016 budget," reads one release.
"The government's unprecedented investment recognizes the critical need to address Canada's growing infrastructure deficit in communities across the country," said Mark Romoff, CCPPP president and CEO.
"There is ample evidence that investing in infrastructure generates significant returns ó it creates good paying jobs, stimulates economic development and drives a globally competitive Canada."
The Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement also expressed support for the federal budget and applauded the health commitments made.
"This budget will strengthen Canada's healthcare system," said a press release. "New federal funding of $39 million over three years for CFHI is an investment in healthcare innovation that will improve care for patients and the health of Canadians, while providing better value for healthcare spending."
Some industrial groups like the Mining Association of Canada (MAC) also welcomed the Liberal government's investment in key priorities that facilitate the responsible growth of mining in Canada, said a press release.
"Budget 2016 makes appropriate investments to enable the continued sustainable development of Canada's mining sector," stated Pierre Gratton, MAC's president and CEO. "Canada's mining industry, a world leader in sustainability standards and practices, supports the Government of Canada's priorities of a clean growth economy and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples."
Even the Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) supports the budget, which it said puts a strong emphasis on climate change initiatives, innovation and research and development.
"Canada's forest products industry is innovating and positioning ourselves to be part of the solution to climate change. We are producing an array of new innovative bio-products that can replace materials made from carbon-intensive fossil fuels," says the CEO of FPAC, Derek Nighbor. "FPAC looks forward to working with Canada's forest product companies and the federal government to pave the way to a robust and low carbon economy."
Engineers Canada also liked what they saw.
"Engineers Canada is pleased to see the federal government's commitment to building resilient and sustainable infrastructure, improving water distribution and treatment and investing in First Nations communities," said their press release.
"This budget represents an investment in a vision of Canada that is built on a strong foundation of science, creativity, and innovation," said Engineers Canada chief executive officer Kim Allen, FEC, P.Eng., FCAE, MBA. "Canada's 280,000 professional engineers are ready and willing to help achieve these ambitious goals."
Habitat for Humanity Canada's president and CEO Mark Rodgers said the organization is "encouraged to see that some of the federal government's focus has turned to affordable housing, with increased investment in this year's budget."
Some groups certainly felt the budget left a lot to be desired, but by and large, the bulk of organizations sending out press releases welcomed the news. Among the few groups to criticize the budget was the Canadian Taxpayers' Federation, a not-for-profit group that scolds the government for questionable spending while keeping its own books tightly shut, but that's another story.
For the most part, many have welcomed the budget despite the deficit. However, the real test will be whether the return on the investment pays off in the end.
