Local Conservative MP's aren't impressed with the first budget released by the government that replaced them.
The majority Liberal government in Ottawa is planning to run a $29.4-billion deficit in 2016/2017 — three times what was promised in the general election.
Chatham-Kent-Leamington MP Dave Van Kesteren calls the size of the deficit "sobering" yet still doesn't see much money for his riding.
"The only thing I see for agriculture is $60-million over six years and when I look at where that money is being spent — looks like it's being spent for bureaucrats," says Van Kesteren.
One of the signature items in the budget is the new Canada Child Benefit which could see families receive $6,400 per child under six years old and $5,400 per child ages six through 17. However, the benefits start phasing out at $30,000 in net family income.
Van Kesteren isn't against the new Canada Child Benefit rolled out by the Liberals, but doesn't like that the government went into deficit to make it happen.
"I come from a big family, I understand the challenges and any time the government helps families is a good thing, but my biggest concern is that $30-billion, that deficit," says Van Kesteren.
Fellow Conservative, Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MP Bev Shipley isn't sold on the Liberal plan to spend for economic growth.
"I can't find anything in that budget that talks about what he's [Prime Minister Justin Trudeau] going to do to create jobs," says Shipley. "Particularly in the energy sector and what he's going to do to stimulate that part of the economy."
Conservative candidate Bev Shipley is re-elected as Member of Parliament for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex on October 19, 2015. (Photo by Matt Weverink)
Shipley thinks the new government's first budget shows poor money management skills.
"It just seems that the vault doors have opened and it's not necessary to the extent that they are. It's a concern," says Shipley.
The Liberals expect the deficit to shrink to $17.7-billion by 2019/2020 — instead of the balanced budget promised in the election.