The budget is talking, are you listening?

Federal budgets can sometimes be read as party manifestos.

But in an election year, they’re more like a call to arms, seeking to persuade voters that the government is on their side and should stay in power.

From aboriginal students to veterans to farmers, the 2015-2016 federal budget has a little bit in it for everyone.

But there are five groups the budget calls out to, over and over again.

1. Baby boomers: Boomers who find themselves facing the onset of their golden years have plenty to be happy about in this budget, like being able to keep their retirement savings in the bank a little longer. The budget also makes it easier for aging boomers to care for a sick parent or spouse.

These bonuses could help the Conservatives make inroads with the largest voting block in the country. During the last election, there were approximately 9.6 million boomers, out of 24 million eligible voters. If the Conservative Party could win the boomer vote, the next election would be theirs.

2. Newcomers: A number of measures were introduced in this budget specifically aimed at new immigrants. A plan to reduce the cost of remittances sent by immigrants back home could help save them millions, collectively. And the government is also promising $35 million to help new immigrants upgrade their foreign credentials.

These items will mean a lot for newcomers, which could mean a lot for the Conservatives in the next election. Prime Minister Stephen Harper won his party a majority in 2011, partly because of the inroads made in newcomer-heavy ridings in the GTA.

3. Business owners: This budget offers a bit for both small and large businesses. Small business taxes are cut by two per cent, while $100 million will go to supporting auto-part manufactures, and farmers and fishers will get exemptions on their capital gains tax.

The business community has long been a large part of the Conservative Party voter base. But with the economy slowing down due to the price of oil, the Conservatives will have an uphill battle proving their worth.

4. Families: Doubling the Tax-Free Savings Account, income splitting and more tax credits for family with children mean that this budget is speaking to families in a big way.

It’s been clear for a while that cash-strapped middle-class families will be the battleground for all three parties in the next election, with each party trying to woo voters with promises of both fiscal responsibility and shiny new programs.

If Harper hopes to keep them on his side, he’ll have to show that he can give back as much as he can slash from the deficit.

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