Northwest residents will directly benefit from the federal budget through more affordable post-secondary education and initiatives to help homeowners reduce energy bills, Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP Nathan Cullen says.
Mr. Cullen said an agreement between the NDP and the Liberals has resulted in a "better, balanced budget" which will pump $4.6-billion into people and the environment over the next two years. The agreement will see the money spent in the following areas:
o $1.6-billion in affordable housing construction, including a dedicated fund for aboriginal housing construction;
o $1.5-billion for post-secondary training and better training for workers through the Employment Insurance system;
o $900-million for environmental initiatives such as an energy retrofit program that helps homeowners reduce energy bills and pollution through efficiency;
o $500-million in foreign aid.
Mr. Cullen said his main focus now is to help pass the budget.
"I am committed to making this minority parliament work because that's clearly what's best for my constituents," he said.