CLC Outlines Its Federal Budget Priorities

The 2008 federal budget is expected to be tabled in parliament sometime in February. Ken Georgetti, president of the Canadian Labour Congress has provided Finance Minister Jim Flaherty with an outline of the issues that should be addressed in the budget. But will the finance minister listen?

Georgetti urges the federal government to establish a national task force with senior labour and employer representation to develop longer term policies to reverse the alarming growth in our manufacturing trade deficit and the continuing loss of good jobs. He goes on to suggest that the budget should kick-start new manufacturing investment by providing a significant tax credit to companies which invest in new machinery and equipment, and by providing funds to support sector development strategies in key industries like auto and forestry.

Georgetti also says there is a need for more industrial research and development, and for worker training. Major government investments are needed in environmental infrastructure, public transit, energy conservation and renewable energy to address key environmental issues while also building new industries and creating new jobs.

It's also suggested that the upcoming budget should fund a national child care and early learning program, home care for seniors, and a national drug plan. The full text of Georgetti's letter to the finance minister in available in PDF format.