The Federal Government released its 2024 budget. Budget announcements are an important part of the political calendar. They send a clear message about what the Government considers a priority – or not.
For workers, this year’s budget presented a combination of wins and setbacks. There are new spending programs that touch some of labour’s biggest priorities: a national pharmacare program, affordable housing, and a national school food program.
To help pay for this new spending, the Government will increase taxes on capital gains. This means a tiny number of the rich will pay higher taxes to fund programs that will help the less well off.
But in other ways, the budget came up short. There is almost nothing new for unemployed workers, even though the Government expects unemployment to rise this year. With our labour allies, we must continue to fight for expanded access and improved benefits to Employment Insurance.
On top of this, the budget had the lowest spending on environmental issues since 2019. After a year of record-breaking heat waves and wildfires, we must keep the fight against climate change front and center. The Government needs to take leadership and act with urgency. Working towards the energy transition, the Government can create thousands of good jobs that will empower working people and their communities.
Canada Post Housing Program
For postal workers, the budget came with something of a surprise: The Canada Post Housing Program. According to the budget document, this program will “support affordable housing providers to build on disposed or leased Canada Post properties.”
The budget lists six Canada Post properties that could be converted into housing.
Currently, we are attempting to gather more details.
Of course, CUPW is very concerned about the housing crisis. Far too many of our members are feeling the pinch from the skyrocketing price of housing over the past two decades, rising mortgage rates and rents. But we need to make sure the Government tackles the housing crisis in the right way.
Canada Post must remain fully committed to serving the public. Canada Post’s network of post offices is an invaluable public asset with huge potential to do more. Selling off properties to make way for housing would only undermine this potential and our ability to serve the public. There is a way for the Government to use Canada Post to build stronger communities, while building Canada Post into the everyday life of all Canadians. The Government and CPC must have imagination and vision to make that happen.
We must work to make sure that both the Government and Canada Post hear this message loud and clear.
In solidarity,
Jan Simpson
National President
/2023 – 2027 Bulletin no 095
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