Huron Bruce MP Ben Lobb is disappointed the federal budget does not offer any net new money for rural areas.
He says the budget only provided $1.3-billion in new money, and it all goes to big cities. He says there is extensive infrastructure work that needs to be done in our region.
"Sewer upgrades that could be done in many different communities in Huron and Bruce County. In addition to that, water upgrades are always relevant. Road improvements, bridge reconstruction or repair. Those are things that help municipalities. Those are things that help keep our property taxes lower," says Lobb.
He points out municipalities in Huron Bruce are the last line of defense in protecting Lake Huron.
"Being able to help fund municipalities to replace old storm sewer pipes are important, to make sure they're not doing into the sewer system. Make sure that we have sewer upgrades so we don't have overflow situations. Those are all vital," explains Lobb.
He says the $1.3-billion in net new spending is all going to big cities.
He adds the Trudeau government is also pushing some stimulus spending back almost a decade.
"Economic growth is very slow, at 1.7%. But he's not facing a recession. he's not facing a huge depression. But yet we're adding $100 billion in new debt," adds Lobb.
Lobb also says the addition of new regulations, carbon taxes, and high Ontario energy costs are slowing investment.
He says about $26-billion goes to servicing the debt each year, representing about 10% of annual spending.
