Island MPs find plenty to champion in federal budget
While there was nothing specific to P.E.I. in the federal budget tabled on Monday, Island MPs see plenty of benefit for Islanders in its 724 pages.
Egmont MP Robert Morrissey focused on the commitment of $3 billion over five years, starting in 2022-2023, to support provinces and territories to change and ensure standards across long-term care are maintained.
“This is an area that has to be addressed because the present per diem that is paid to support those in long-term care is not adequate enough to allow for a fair wage for the people we employ to look after our most vulnerable.”
While long-term care falls under the jurisdiction of provincial and territorial governments, Morrissey doesn’t expect a difficult time collaborating with the P.E.I. government to help those in long-term care.
“Our government has a very good working relationship with the government of Dennis King, and I believe, I cannot speak for the province, but on these issues, the government of P.E.I. and the government of Canada are on the same page.”
SMALL CRAFT HARBOURS
One of the most significant allocations for the Island involves $300 million over the next two years to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to repair, renew and replace small craft harbours across the country.
While Malpeque MP Wayne Easter would have liked to have seen specific money set aside for Malpeque Harbour, which needs a replacement harbour built, he was happy to see more money set aside.
“Now we are really going to have to put the pressure on. Malpeque Harbour should qualify on the basis of safety for some of the $300 million.”
Key to Malpeque's issues is the word “replace” being included, he said.
“That’s a new word for DFO, and it’s one that we have to take advantage of."
SEASONAL WORKERS
For Charlottetown, the extension of COVID measures removing the two-zone Employment Insurance system will be of benefit to seasonal workers in the Charlottetown zone, said MP Sean Casey.
“Probably the big one for me, of course, is the announcement that the measures that have been taken with respect to employment insurance for seasonal workers will be extended another year.”
The two-zone system imposed in 2014 put those workers in the Charlottetown zone at a disadvantage, requiring them to work more hours for less benefits, he said.
“My expectation is that this additional year will give the government the breathing room it needs to create more permanent changes, but this does give an additional year of fair and equal treatment to seasonal workers all across the Island.”
Investments promised to Veterans Affairs Canada are of interest to Cardigan MP and Veterans Affairs Minister Lawrence MacAulay – in particular, $140 million for mental health supports for veterans while waiting for their applications to go through.
“We have a backlog, and (mental health supports are) so important.”
There is also $15 million for organizations helping veterans and $45 million to tackle homelessness.
“There’s so many highlights, but for me, right here, right now, that’s pretty important.”