MIKE KELLOWAY
From the outset of 2024, we’ve known the status quo was not an option when addressing affordability. Our government had a mission to not only uplift the most vulnerable, but also the middle class who drive our economy.
Thus, this year was time to make investments that brought fairness for all generations.
We know that access to quality and affordable health care is not just a problem that affects senior citizens or newcomers to Canada. For young people, families, and middle-aged workers, accessing dental and pharmacare are regular hurdles.
With our flagship healthcare developments —a national dental care program and a forthcoming national pharmacare program— we’ve challenged the status quo on this issue in 2024.
Over 1 million people have now accessed dental care in this country, thousands of which being right here in Cape Breton—Canso, according to data from Health Canada. Being open to families earning up to $90K in net-income, the middle class joins seniors and persons with disabilities in these enhanced health care programs.
This follows other notable wins this year for working Canadians — such as the roll-out of a national school food program, massive investments for affordable housing, and tax-free rebates for small businesses.
We have also championed considerable supports that are uniquely for seniors and persons with disabilities — for example, our New Horizons for Seniors program and the never-before-seen Canada Disability Benefit.
Now, we’ve gone even further to implement a tax break for all Canadians.
From mid-December and until mid-February, essentials such as groceries, pre-ordered meals, children’s clothing, diapers, car seats, and more will be totally exempt from GST/HST — a major development from the federal government.
As a quality-of-life measure for every Canadian, no matter their personal circumstances, we’ve also extended this tax break to restaurant meals, certain alcohols, books, print newspapers, children’s toys, and even Christmas trees.
We’re casting a wide net when it comes to affordability. We’re giving a break to the middle class, while still maintaining targeted programs and initiatives for those who need it most.
I’ve also had the privilege of working on many important local projects this year. As a Member of Parliament, I know well that funding achievements are only worthwhile if their positive impacts can be felt in our communities.
By working with my colleagues in Ottawa this year, we’ve secured funding for: affordable housing construction ($12.2 million); local seniors programming (over $221,000 since June); upgrades to airport infrastructure ($2.1 million); Cape Breton University’s Canada Games Complex ($1.5 million); new green energy projects ($22.5 million); programming for vulnerable youth in Glace Bay and New Waterford ($120,000); support for Town House Citizen Service League ($679,946); small craft harbours across Nova Scotia ($74 million); and much more.
In total, I’ve had the privilege of announcing over half-a-billion dollars in funding for our local communities and our broader province this year — the full details thereof will be distributed via news release in the new year.
This federal support was achieved through local politics and advocating for our local priorities — where my main focus has always been.
With U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s looming threat of heavy tariffs on Canadian products, this focus on community impacts has never been so important. At this critical juncture for our nation, strong leadership and a Team Canada approach will be essential to our continued economic success.
With a federal election also around the corner, we’re seeing powerful politicians augment their rhetoric on the national stage. It’s possible to see, quite clearly, those who pick fights simply to draw a spectacle. What really matters, and what I try to embody, is a type of politics that is focused on local results.
There is, as there will always be, still work to do to make life better in our country. Evolving circumstances call for evolving approaches.
In 2024, our government has changed pace to meet the moment we’re facing. Inflation is within the target range, interest rates are dropping, and supply chains are slowly but steadily recovering — all of which are symptoms of a post-pandemic world that no country has been able to escape.
With that, we’re helping Canadians with the supports they deserve. We’re fighting the good fight to bring fairness for all generations.
It’s what our government has done since the beginning, and it’s exactly what we’ll continue to do as we look toward 2025.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, everyone!