A local advocate for veteran's issues is deeply disappointed in the Trudeau government's second budget.
Days leading up to Wednesday's budget, there was speculation the Liberals would re-introduce the lifetime pension for injured veterans. It didn't materialize, and Bruce Moncur is frustrated the prime minister has again failed to deliver on a campaign promise.
"If you're going to join the military, I would try to do everything in my power not to volunteer for dangerous jobs because you will not be taken care of," says Moncur.
The pension promise was also listed on Veteran Affairs Minister Kent Hehr's mandate letter in the days following the Liberal government's majority election win.
Moncur says he's waited for the Liberals to deliver and now, he doesn't think they ever will.
"We always harped about how bad [Conservative Veteran Affairs Minister] Julian Fantino was -- but at least he pretended to care," continues Moncur.
Moncur's criticism is one of few voices of descent after Finance Minister Bill Morneau delivered a budget that contained strategic spending on jobs skills development and support.
Manager of Employer Engagement at Workforce Windsor-Essex, Heather Gregg liked what she found in the spending plan. In particular, $59.8-million over four years for student loans and grants for part-time students, $107.4-million for students with children, and $225-million for a pilot project to help adult students access loans and grants. She says that could be a game changer for those who are on the fence about a career change.
"Can I stop what I'm doing now and to maybe go back to school, and programs like those would really allow people to take advantage of something where they may not have had the chance before." she says.
Gregg believes an investment in childcare subsidies may also be the turning point for parents who are underemployed.
The budget also boasted $11.2-billion over ten years for affordable housing.
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens is pleased to see the investment saying Windsor, like many municipalities, has an aging social housing inventory, and not a lot of money to make repairs.
He is waiting for details on other investments in infrastructure, including cash for green corridor improvements and public transit like upgrades to the VIA Rail line.
The Liberal government will also set aside $81-million over the next decade for future infrastructure needs, money long demanded by big city mayors, including Dilkens.
"It'll never be enough, and I don't think any government will ever have enough to make everyone catch up, but it's a step in the right direction," says Dilkens.