Todd Doherty, Member of Parliament for Cariboo-Prince George and Shadow Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, released the following statement following the release of the 2023 Liberal budget:
“As expected, this budget continues Justin Trudeau’s record of higher taxes and inflationary deficits.”
“During this period of economic instability, we need a federal government that prioritizes job creating projects here at home. Instead, this Liberal government continues to spend, spend, spend, with zero regard for the paycheques of everyday Canadians.
“Conservative’s will not support a budget that spends $43-billion, that does nothing to prioritize lowering home and grocery prices.
“On a positive note, I am pleased and proud to see the Liberal government has honoured our unanimous commitment to implement 9-8-8, the national suicide hotline. Budget 2023 confirmed, 9-8-8 will launch by November 30, 2023, and will see $158.4-million over three years starting in 2023-24, for the implementation and operation of 9-8-8. All Canadians, regardless of their geographic location deserve access to critical mental health and suicide prevention services. 9-8-8 will save lives.
“Despite delivering on 9-8-8 Conservative motion, the Liberals continue to fail on the mental health file. Once again, this Liberal budget fails to deliver the promised $4.5-billion in critical mental health funding that is needed to provide vital frontline mental health and addiction support services. I echo the concerns of the Canadian Mental Health Association, that the government missed the mark and that there will be deep human and economic costs to pay. Another empty promise and failure by this government.”