Coalition for a Better Future welcomes budget commitments aimed at growing the sustainable economy, but comprehensive long-term plan still needed

The Coalition for a Better Future welcomes the federal government’s sustainable growth measures announced by Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland in the federal budget. The commitments made are a concrete step in the right direction, but more is still needed to establish a comprehensive, long-term plan for economic prosperity for Canada.

The Coalition applauds specific investments in the green economy which were urgently required to help level the playing field with the U.S. following the introduction of the Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act. Coalition members are supportive of the targeted green tax credits but remain concerned as to whether they are sufficient to spur the economic investment Canada urgently needs. In addition, the Coalition welcomes the investments in health care as previously announced, along with new measures to ease cost-of-living pressures for Canadians in the short-term.

“We congratulate Minister Freeland and the government on today’s budget,” said Coalition Co-chair Hon. Anne McLellan. “As our latest Scorecard report shows, Canada is falling behind our G7 partners in important economic, social and environmental areas. The government has outlined several measures that will help Canada break out of its slow growth cycle with its particular emphasis on green jobs and industrial transition. However, addressing this issue requires constant focus and attention.”

“The government has laid the track to create a climate for investment in the sustainable economy and the clean energy supply chain” said Coalition Co-chair Hon. Lisa Raitt. “But we will be watching closely to see if these commitments are implemented fast enough, and whether they encourage the level of business investment Canada needs to remain competitive internationally. Canada’s slow growth record needs to be reversed, and that needs to happen right now - we hope that today is finally the turning point.”

The Coalition’s Scorecard, Canada at a Turning Point, reports on the first year of data based on 21 internationally-recognized metrics. It shows how the country is progressing in meeting targets set by the Coalition to be achieved by 2030. 

The Coalition represents a diverse and growing community of like-minded organizations in the private and not-for-profit sectors, unified in our belief that economic growth is necessary for job creation, rising incomes, a cleaner environment, and a better quality of life.

For more information, or to set up an interview, please contact:

Tina Romito

Director of Operations, Coalition for a Better Future

cell: 613-297-4325, operations@canadacoalition.ca