Federal Budget Leaving Workers Behind

The New Brunswick Federation of Labour, the largest central labour body in the province, says that Federal Budget 2025 will leave workers behind in these uncertain economic times.

“New Brunswickers are paying more for groceries, housing, power, transportation. The federal budget offers no real help with the cost-of-living crisis,” says NBFL President, Chris Watson. “This budget will not help workers who are choosing between heating their homes and feeding their families, nor is there anything to address poverty and the surge in food bank use across our province.”

Budget 2025 features the deepest cuts in over a decade, with tens of thousands of jobs and funding for vital programs on the chopping block. It also leaves new federal programs like pharmacare and dental care underfunded and with an uncertain future.

“Public services are the foundation of a strong and fair economy, not a byproduct,” says Watson. “Austerity will not make life more affordable. When governments slash programs and services, people pay more out of pocket and lose access to the supports they need to live with dignity.”

The NBFL joins the Canadian Labour Congress in calling on the Liberal government to work with other political parties to amend the budget to deliver the supports, investments, and safeguards workers need to withstand U.S. tariffs, protect Canadian jobs, and build lasting economic security. This is the moment for Parliament to stand up for working people.
There are measures worth building on in the Budget, including billions in home building and infrastructure funding, the doubling of the Union Training and Innovation Program and the new $1,100 tax credit for personal support workers. These are exactly the kinds of investments working people need: ones that strengthen skills, raise wages, and improve care.

But to truly protect workers and our economy, we need more of that and fewer cuts.

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For information, please contact:

Chris Watson
President, New Brunswick Federation of Labour
(506) 381-8969
chris@fednb.ca