Calling the federal budget a "game changer for Canadian municipalities" Mayor Linda Jeffrey said the budget document handed down by Finance Minister Bill Morneau March 22 will help Brampton with affordable housing and transit, as well as the city’s innovation sector.

“We now have the tools to empower our local government to bring about the changes our residents require in a new economy,” said Jeffrey in a statement.

Morneau’s budget, with a lower-than-expected deficit projection of $25.5 billion in the coming fiscal year, swelling to $28.5 billion when a $3 billion contingency reserve is included, played to mixed reviews across the country. Locally, the second budget plan delivered under the Justin Trudeau era was well received by civic and business leaders.

This budget commits $11.2 billion over 11 years for affordable and social housing. With Brampton’s population growing twice the rate compared to most major urban Canadian centres, and boasting one of the largest waiting lists for social housing, Jeffrey said she welcomes a commitment to preserving the baseline funding from social housing operating agreements.

On the transit file, the government in Ottawa has committed $20.1-billion investment in public transit infrastructure over the next 11 years. With millions already invested in expansion of mass transit, the mayor said cash committed to growing transit is a big boon to the city.

“The budget helps Brampton to continue to strengthen our public transit requirements, affordable housing needs, and green infrastructure. For example, predictable federal allocations and realistic cost-sharing allows us to continue to bolster our popular rapid bus service as we see increase ridership year over year.”

Gone, however, is a public transit tax credit; and ridesharing businesses, such as Uber, will be subject to the same sales taxes as traditional taxis.

A commitment of $2 billion over 11 years to support a National Trade Corridors Fund is being well received by local business leaders who have advocated for better goods movement.

"Enabling trade is enabling jobs," said Todd Letts, CEO of the Brampton Board of Trade. "Now, more than ever, investments that help facilitate better movement of goods and people both regionally and internationally will boost a slow-growth domestic economy."

