Musings on Federal Budget

Lots of topics to chat about here. I like idea of second year of stimulus funding. I also like changes to have banks only hold on to cheques for 4 days; and to allow consumers access to first $100 within 24 hours. Having just heard banks reporting record profits (again) I am sure this move won't hurt banks and will help consumers.

I was disappointed in announced cutbacks to foreign aid.

The 'rigidity' of restraint measures will not help Canadians. So many folks seem to think the providers of public service are 'running amok'. As one who used to be a public servant I know public sector employees are just as conscientious about spending money as are employees in the private sector. We are all taxpayers so we all benefit by prudent public sector spending. But I really have issues with those in our media (especially radio talk show hosts) who blame all our ills on 'public sector' greed.

There were 'glimmers' of hope in political reaction to yesterday's budget. I saw some indication of a willingness to compromise on some issues...I wonder if our federal government will show some flexibility on some contentious issues. Who knows, if they did, we may get some real co-operation amongst the federal political parties. Wouldn't that be nice!