Canada Aims to Narrow Competitive Gaps with US through 2022 Budget

Canada’s federal government presented its spring 2022 budget with a focus on the low-carbon economy and targeted measures for Canadians dealing with high inflation. The 255-page budget proposed fiscal restraint along with targeted spending for vulnerable Canadians, as Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland balanced the needs of low-income earners and high-income earners.

Main Topic: Tax incentives for EV manufacturers

One of the biggest items in the new budget is tax incentives for electric vehicle manufacturers. The move is aimed at encouraging automakers to build more electric cars in Canada, expanding the market for EVs, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The budget proposes a tax credit of up to $8,000 for zero-emission vehicles, which will become available starting early next year. It also aims to quadruple the number of charging stations available within five years.

Grocery rebate program

Another major initiative of the budget is a “grocery rebate” program that will provide extra money to low-income Canadians to mitigate rising grocery prices. The government estimates that roughly 11 million people will qualify for the program. This aims to address the high cost of living faced by many Canadians due to inflation rates that exceeded 5%.

Dental care expansion and healthcare investments

The government also laid out plans to expand dental care access, particularly for those who are uninsured and low-income earners. The budget commits $13 billion over five years toward creating a federal dental care plan, making sure that people across Canada have access to affordable dental coverage. The government will also establish an Oral Health Access Fund to extend coverage to vulnerable populations and those living in rural or remote communities.

Moreover, the government laid out plans to increase financial assistance for postsecondary students. Plans are underway to increase Canada Student Grants by 40%, as well as raising the Canada Student Loan limit from $210 to $300 weekly.

Increasing investment in low-carbon economy

Canada is expected to double the capacity of its grid by 2050, and the budget proposes a tax credit that covers 15% of the cost of equipment used to produce and transmit clean electricity. This program will cost approximately $25.7 billion starting next year through 2035.

In addition, there is an investment tax credit for 30% of the costs for machinery and equipment used to manufacture clean technologies such as extracting and processing critical minerals and EV production. The government also plans to set up a growth fund to manage a system of contracts that will fix future value of carbon or hydrogen, known as contracts for difference.

Raising taxes on wealthy Canadians

The budget increases the minimum tax on wealthy Canadians from 15% to 20.5%. There is also a previously announced tax on share buybacks that will be applied from January of next year, as well as hydrogen investment tax credit.

Cracking down on predatory lending

The federal government proposes changes to the Criminal Code to cap the amount of interest that can legally be charged at 35% in order to prevent “predatory lenders” from taking advantage of vulnerable people.

Air Travel Security Charge increase

The Air Travel Security Charge is set to increase by almost 33% next year to help fund and improve vital airport services such as passenger screening and baggage handling.

In conclusion, Canada’s federal government unveiled its spring budget with a focus on making life more affordable for Canadians while investing in the low-carbon economy. It balances fiscal restraint with targeted spending measures for vulnerable Canadians. The tax incentives for electric vehicle manufacturers aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while the grocery rebate program addresses rising inflation rates. The expansion of dental care access, increasing financial assistance for postsecondary students, and investment in healthcare further aim to make life more affordable for Canadians. The budget also sets out plans to crack down on predatory lending and increase the Air Travel Security Charge.

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