Shannon Miedema
Halifax, Nova Scotia · Liberal · Canada
“Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the following two reports of the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development. The first is the seventh report, entitled “Protecting Canadian Residents from Extreme Weather Events”.”
“Last year, Canada hit 2% of GDP on defence for the first time since the fall of the Berlin Wall, half a decade ahead of schedule. Reaching the 2% benchmark is a foundational step in renewing Canada's defence and a clear statement of resolve in a more dangerous world.”
“Last fiscal year, we surpassed our recruitment goals, bringing in over 6,700 new regular force members. We are also investing $274.9 million in CAF recruitment and training to modernize how we attract and develop the next generation of service members.”
“That includes support for nitrocellulose production, a critical energetic material for artillery that is in high demand across allied militaries. Programs like IDEaS and MINDS continue to connect innovators, academics and industry to the defence mission, turning Canadian expertise into Canadian capability.”
“Mr. Speaker, the global security environment today is volatile and uncertain. We face real challenges, both military and non-military, that demand an equally strong and coordinated response. Canada must be prepared to defend ourselves and our allies. Our government has announced the most ambitious defence rebuild in a generation.”
“Words do not defend Canada, but capabilities do. The CAF must be ready to operate in the Arctic, across North America, through NORAD, within NATO's collective defence framework and wherever global stability demands a Canadian contribution.”
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“What Canadians think and their views on issues not only matter; they are important to informing us as members of Parliament. All of what we learn through parliamentary committees is taken into account as decisions are made. I encourage all Canadians to get involved in the work of our parliamentary committees. It is democracy in action. (1345) Now I will turn to Government Motion No. 9. It is important to take a moment to note that the standing committees and special joint committees in this Parliament have mandates that are focused on the issues that are important to Canadians and to Canada. The reason they are called standing committees is that they should reflect the standings of the recognized parties in the House of Commons.”
“Hearing about experiences from like-minded countries can help facilitate an exchange of ideas and ways to incorporate good ideas from abroad that can be implemented here in Canada. By bringing in the international perspective, we get to hear about emerging issues and opportunities to learn from the experience of other countries. Through this process, we learn about what worked well, what did not and how to avoid challenges that other countries have experienced. Every time I chair or participate in a committee meeting, I am struck by the extent to which witnesses want to share their expertise and lived experiences to inform the studies we undertake. The fact that we hear from witnesses with varied and sometimes opposing perspectives helps us stay in touch with the diversity of Canadian perspectives.”
“Further, the common thread to the work of all committees is that of hearing directly from Canadians, stakeholders and experts on a range of issues that are important to who we, together in the House of Commons, represent. With every committee study undertaken, through witnesses and briefs, we get to hear the diverse aspects and views on a particular subject, from business leaders to academics, scientists and Canadians from across this great country who are directly impacted by or have a strong interest in any one of the numerous subjects that the parliamentary committees study. This engagement of experts, stakeholders and citizens acts as a bridge between Parliament and the broader Canadian public. Committee work can also bring international perspectives on how we can best achieve our policy goals.”
“Committees produce extensive and comprehensive reports, thereby adding to greater transparency for Canadians by ensuring public access to information about the government's work. These studies help inform government policy and future legislative proposals. Committees are also incubators of non-partisan collaboration. They allow members from across parties to come together to address complex problems in a collaborative manner and foster consensus on difficult issues. Committees allow us to build camaraderie among members so we can bring forward our diverse perspectives as members from across the country, consider evidence-based insights and come together to advance the interests of Canadians. The discussions and insights that committees generate enrich our parliamentary process and our ability to work together.”
“It is through this process of legislative scrutiny that we can voice our views, ask experts questions, raise our concerns and debate proposals with each other. Our ultimate, and I suggest shared, objective is to improve legislation when it is needed. It is this scrutiny and detailed examination in committees that not only strengthens accountability but also allows members to work together to find solutions to issues facing Canadians. That process and engagement builds trust with Canadians. It encourages open and transparent government. Participation in committees gives members the opportunity to scrutinize decisions and expenditures and monitor progress. Robust and constructive debate in committees is the means through which we arrive at solutions.”
“Much of this work is done in committees, which is the subject of Government Motion 9. Before I speak to the motion itself, it is important to highlight the role of committees in the Westminster system. One of the fundamental functions of members of Parliament is the development of legislation, and the crux of this work is done in committee. Committees are the venues that allow for and facilitate the detailed examination of not only legislation but also other policies and issues of interest to Canadians. Committees allow us to have focused and detailed discussions on what would be possible in the chamber, where debate is focused on the principle and scope of each bill. Committees are the place where we can review legislation, hear from witnesses and conduct clause-by-clause consideration of bills.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to speak to Government Motion No. 9 and the importance of parliamentary committees. As members of Parliament, we have been individually elected by our constituents to represent their interests in the House of Commons. Not only do we individually represent the interests of our constituents, but together we represent the fabric of who Canadians are. We are a privileged minority of Canadians elected to this House, representing Canadians from every beautiful region of this vast and breathtaking country. We are standing here today to represent our constituents' interests and as a representation of the will of our constituents. Every moment of our work as parliamentarians is ultimately aimed at good governance for the benefit of all Canadians.”
“[ Translation ] I want to thank all volunteers everywhere in Canada. [ English ] This National Volunteer Week, and in recognition of the United Nations International Volunteer Year, I would like to thank all of Canada's volunteers. Their contributions make a difference in people's lives.”
“Mr. Speaker, today I would like to call attention to National Volunteer Week, which runs from April 19 to 25, 2026. It is a time to celebrate the outstanding commitment of volunteers. [ English ] Our country runs on volunteers. Everyone in this room can agree that we would not be standing in this House without the tireless work of the volunteer organizers who got us here. In Halifax, I would like to give a special shout-out to the dedicated volunteers who helped during the campaign, as well as those who continue to support me in this role. I would like to also recognize the volunteer firefighters; event organizers; those who work with our food banks and in health care, environmental and arts organizations; and all those who dedicate themselves to strengthening our community.”
“This program will pay young people a living wage to foster climate resilience and a low-carbon future in their communities. We must all stay committed to reducing our emissions, building resilient communities and creating a more sustainable Canada for future generations. I wish everybody happy Earth Day.”
“Mr. Speaker, as the newly elected chair of the House Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development, I am honoured to rise to recognize Earth Day. Today, it is time for all Canadians to think about our shared responsibility for the environment around us. The impacts of climate change are more present in our lives every year. Too many Canadians have suffered from extreme weather events like wildfires and floods, but we have also seen communities come together to rebuild and adapt to a new global reality. Young Canadians are leading the way on climate action. Earlier today, I co-hosted a reception celebrating the work of the Youth Climate Corps British Columbia and the launch of a national Youth Climate Corps in budget 2025.”
“In 2025-26, over $24 million was provided through the victims fund to assist or support non-governmental organizations. This money supported important projects and services throughout Canada that made a real difference for victims. [ Translation ] I appreciate the opportunity to talk about this bill, and I look forward to the committee's consideration of it.”
“While the subject of this bill is restitution orders, given our discussion about the important work of community organizations, I would also like to take a brief moment before my time is up to note some of the ways in which the Government of Canada supports community organizations, including community-based victim services. One example of how this support is provided is Justice Canada's victims fund. The victims fund provides grants and contributions to support projects and activities that encourage the development of new approaches, promote access to justice, improve the capacity of service providers, foster the establishment of referral networks and increase awareness of services available to victims of crime and their families.”
“With this in mind, we should consider, as we study this bill, which kinds of expenses restitution is designed to capture. Many of the expenses that community organizations must pay in order to provide the important services they do may be impossible to link to specific offenders and offences. It will be important to ensure that any action in this area provides a clear direction to sentencing courts about what kinds of expenses can be sought in a restitution order: that those expenses are appropriate subjects of restitution and that they result from the offence an offender is being sentenced for.”
“I mentioned earlier in my remarks that restitution orders are a part of the criminal sentencing process. In all of the examples I have described, the amount set out in a restitution order must result from the offence the offender committed, or their arrest or attempted arrest. Restitution amounts must be easy to calculate and not seriously contested. Restitution under the Criminal Code is not intended to replace the system of civil courts in Canada, and criminal courts are not the right place to settle complex questions about the amount of money that should be paid in the order. There are types of impacts on a victim of a criminal offence that can be significant, but which restitution orders cannot address: for example, pain and suffering or emotional distress.”
“It allows for the payment of reasonable expenses incurred for housing, moving, food, child care and transportation if the spouse, common-law partner, child or any other person must move out of the offender's household because of bodily harm or threat of bodily harm. It allows for the reimbursement of expenses incurred by a victim to re-establish their identity or correct their credit rating following identity theft or identity fraud. Lastly, section 738 applies to expenses incurred by victims to remove intimate images published without their consent from the Internet or other digital network. (1735) [ English ] While I have spoken to what restitution orders under section 738 can do, it is important to note that there are also things they cannot do.”
“As it currently reads, section 738 outlines several different types of expenses that an order under that section can apply to. Some of the expenses listed in this section are more general and apply to a number of different offences in the Criminal Code, while others are drafted to respond to specific offences. As examples of the more general types of expenses in the section, a restitution order under section 738 can address property damage resulting from the commission of an offence or the arrest of an offender, or it can address bodily injury or psychological harm due to the crime, including loss of income or support. [ Translation ] Section 738 also covers costs related to specific crimes.”
“To begin, restitution is a part of the criminal sentencing process. It is one of the tools a judge has in their tool box when sentencing or discharging an offender, and it is something that a judge can use in the important task of imposing a fit sentence on an offender that is proportionate to the gravity of the offence and their degree of responsibility. When it is ordered by a judge, a restitution order requires an offender to pay for specific expenses that are linked to the offence they committed. Restitution can be a component of a probation order or a conditional sentence, or it can be included as a stand-alone order. Bill C-238 would amend the stand-alone restitution order provision found in section 738 of the Criminal Code.”
“[ English ] While there remains much work to be done, I do wish to highlight that the Government of Canada is taking action. As one example, the government has already introduced legislation, through Bill C-12 , the strengthening Canada's immigration system and borders act. This bill proposes measures to ensure that law enforcement has the tools to keep our borders secure, combat transnational organized crime, stop the flow of illegal fentanyl and crack down on money laundering. While this is not an easy fight, it is one that I am proud the Government of Canada is committed to. My hope today is to assist our debate by discussing the way the current restitution framework in the Criminal Code operates and by raising some considerations that may be helpful for members to consider as this bill moves into study in committee.”
“As the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights noted during the last Parliament in its report on improving support for victims of crime, “collaboration between governments and community organizations is key to providing holistic, effective services to victims”. I know I speak for many Canadians when I express my sincere gratitude for the constant efforts of the people who work in these organizations and their dedication to assist members of their communities when they need it the most. [ Translation ] I also share my colleague's concern about the catastrophic impact of illicit drugs on Canadian communities. I have no doubt that every one of my colleagues here has personally witnessed the consequences of this crisis in their communities across the country. We must all work together to fix this.”
“Mr. Speaker, I welcome the opportunity to rise today and speak about Bill C-238, an act to amend the Criminal Code, restitution orders. I would like to begin by thanking my colleague for bringing forward this bill and for drawing attention to the important work that community organizations, emergency services and victim support services provide to communities across Canada every single day. Often, these organizations provide vital services to victims of crime at moments when help is critically important. We speak frequently in this place about how the criminal justice system is a shared responsibility in Canada and all levels of government have an important role to play in addressing the needs of victims and survivors of crime.”
“Mr. Speaker, workers in federally regulated sectors, whether they are in banking, telecommunications or interprovincial transportation, need their wages to keep pace with the cost of living. Effective April 1, the federal minimum wage increased once again. Could the Secretary of State for Labour explain what this increase means for workers in federally regulated sectors?”
“Many other community members are driving important change. Today in Ottawa, I want to recognize these incredible and passionate organizations that are doing such important work. It is not going unnoticed, and it deserves to be celebrated.”
“Mr. Speaker, on the heels of Black History Month, I am honoured to recognize and celebrate the incredible contributions of the African Nova Scotian community. Halifax is home to a sombre history of racism that must not be forgotten, and reconciliation must be an ongoing effort. The Africville Museum is ensuring that this happens by sharing the community's history, celebrating its achievements and advocating for change. The African Nova Scotian Road to Economic Prosperity is driving the course to practical reparations for this community. The African Nova Scotian Justice Institute provides free legal services and guidance to African Nova Scotians. New Roots Community Land Trust is advocating for investment into community infrastructure targeted at displaced African Nova Scotian communities.”
“Mr. Speaker, as-salamu alaykum . Across the country, Muslim communities are celebrating Ramadan, a holy month of fasting, prayer and reflection. I want to recognize the resiliency and generosity of Nova Scotia's Muslim communities, which demonstrate the strength that comes from unity and support. I also want to highlight the important work of the Ummah Society, which recently received $1.2 million from our government's youth gang prevention fund. This program is focused on keeping at-risk youth away from a life of crime. By providing mentorship and community resources, the gang busters project is helping to create safer, stronger communities for all of Nova Scotia. I am proud to stand with Muslim communities and organizations like the Ummah Society during Ramadan as we work together for a more inclusive and safer Nova Scotia.”
“Mr. Speaker, we all agree in the House that tuberculosis rates in Inuit Nunangat and in many first nations communities remain far too high and that this serves as a reminder of historical discrimination and the lasting effects of colonization. Can the Minister of Indigenous Services tell the House what our new government is doing to eradicate tuberculosis by 2030?”
“Mr. Speaker, that is exactly what we are addressing, not only with the auto industry strategy but also with all the major work of the government right now: reducing our reliance on the United States and diversifying our trade partnerships across the globe. That is why we are really excited about the progress that has been made with the signing of all the new trade agreements internationally with the Prime Minister . We are really excited about the conversations we are having with Korea on the auto sector here. It sounds like there is a real appetite for investing in Canada and having a lot of these vehicles built by Canadians in Canada.”
“Mr. Speaker, I will not comment on the Conservative Party's priorities around oil and gas, but I will say what I said before: The research shows that incentives for electric vehicles are really important in the early adoption phase. The idea of this five-year plan with the rebates is that by the time we hit those five years, the cost of electric vehicles should have continued to decrease and will hopefully be near cost parity with ICE, internal combustion engine, vehicles. That is part of the strategy we are trying to put in place today.”
“Mr. Speaker, the electric vehicle availability standard that we were debating at the environment committee was never actually live. It was still being debated. It was not going to start until 2035, so none of that has actually happened. The global trends have been fairly consistent. What has happened right now between Canada and the United States we could not really predict. The member is right, but we are where we are now. Our government is focusing on what we can control right now. There are a lot of studies on the importance of things like rebates and other pieces that are required to drive a transformation in an industry. I am really excited about this auto strategy and what it is going to do for Canada.”
“Backed by a world-class workforce, globally recognized part suppliers and leading-edge research and development, Canada's automotive sector is building the vehicles of today, and it will help build the vehicles of tomorrow. By protecting the industry and incentivizing automakers to build here, we can transform Canada's workers and businesses to compete and win in this new global environment. Our government is focused on working with all our partners here and abroad to find innovative solutions for modernizing our auto industry. We can lead and capitalize on the opportunities we have to pivot and adapt in the face of challenge. Our new auto strategy is economically sound and environmentally sound, and I am very excited to roll it out.”
“To protect Canadian auto workers and businesses from immediate pressures while helping bridge them to the future, the government will provide support to employees through a new work-sharing grant, preventing layoffs and supporting worker retention so businesses can plan for the future. In addition, up to 66,000 workers across Canada, including displaced auto workers, will receive employment assistance and re-skilling supports as part of a $750-million investment. The actions the government is taking will shape the Canadian auto industry for decades to come. These strategic decisions and generational investments aim to build a strong Canadian automotive sector where Canadian workers build the cars of the future.”
“Canada's auto sector is built on nation-to-nation collaboration. The North American auto industry succeeds when our integrated supply chains are strong and when we compete together globally. Canada and the U.S. have built this integrated industry together over decades, and we are stronger together. By making strategic investments and solidifying trade partnerships, Canada is positioning itself as a global leader in vehicle electrification, autonomous and self-driving technologies and the battery supply chains that will power the future of mobility. I would also like to mention the help we will provide to the auto workers who will build the vehicles amid short-term uncertainty.”
“For example, Canada recently deepened its strategic partnership with the Republic of Korea by signing a memorandum of understanding to strengthen Canada-Korea industrial collaboration for future mobility. As a port city, Halifax is especially well positioned to support the increased demand for shipping and distribution. (1655) The recently announced partnership with China aims to drive new Chinese joint venture investments in Canada and allow for a fixed volume of Chinese EV imports into the Canadian market. Although countertariffs on auto imports from the United States will be maintained to ensure a level playing field for Canadian automotive manufacturers in the domestic market, the government will continue to advance this auto strategy within an integrated North American automotive industry.”
“Underpinning these advances are needed strategic investments, so to accelerate investment in Canada's auto manufacturing sector, the government will allocate $3 billion from the strategic response fund and up to $100 million from the regional tariff response initiative to help the auto industry adapt, grow and diversify to new markets. We will also take advantage of the productivity superdeduction and reduced corporate tax rates for zero-emission technology manufacturers to encourage investment in clean technologies and EVs, as well as strengthen Canada's automotive remission framework to reward companies that produce and invest in Canada. The government will also establish a comprehensive trade regime that strengthens the competitiveness of the auto sector through new partnerships.”
“Through the auto strategy, the government will also enhance the national EV charging network with investments of $1.5 billion through the charging and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure initiative. We are making it easier and more convenient for drivers to charge their car no matter where they are. EV adoption will become more convenient for local consumers in my riding of Halifax and across this country as more stations are available in parking lots and mixed-use residential buildings. Those stations will need power, so measures announced in budget 2025 aim to ensure that Canada has the clean and affordable energy needed to develop, manufacture and drive the cars of the future.”
“That is why the government will launch a five-year EV affordability program to lower the cost of electric vehicles for Canadians and create a strong domestic market. The $2.3-billion program will offer purchase or lease incentives of up to $5,000 for battery electric and fuel cell EVs, and up to $2,500 for plug-in hybrids with a final transaction value of up to $50,000 on cars made by countries that Canada has free trade agreements with. The Canadian Climate Institute and others have shown with research based on the past that EV incentives have driven the adoption of EVs across this country from the very first one. To support the Canadian automotive industry, the $50,000 cap will not apply to Canadian-made EVs and plug-in hybrids.”
“Within five years, electric vehicle sales are projected to reach nearly 40% of global car sales. It is important that Canada be among those at the forefront of that evolution. Our government will introduce stronger greenhouse gas emissions standards that will put Canada on a path to achieve a goal of 75% EV sales by 2035 and 90% EV sales by 2040. This will also help to reduce Canada's carbon footprint and improve our global leadership in clean energy. At the same time, repealing the electric vehicle availability standard will allow manufacturers to use new technologies to respond to consumer preferences while driving EV adoption, but to grow domestic demand for EVs, they must become more affordable for working Canadians.”
“For over 100 years, Canada's automotive industry has been a cornerstone of our economy, underpinning advanced manufacturing, driving innovation and supporting hundreds of thousands of well-paying jobs across the country. However, given the current uncertain trade environment, as well as advancing technology and evolving consumer demand, it is as important as ever that we take action to maintain and improve Canada's auto sector. In fact, it is a unique opportunity for us to do so. That is why, on February 5, the Prime Minister launched a new strategy to transform Canada's auto industry. Recognizing that the future of the automotive industry is electrified and connected, the government is prioritizing the development of the full value chain of next-generation vehicles.”
“Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Guelph . It is my pleasure to participate in this debate today. As we all know, times are changing. We are in uncertain times in an uncertain world, but our government is focused on what we can control. As part of Canada’s new industrial strategy, we are transforming our economy from one that is reliant on a single trade partner to one that is diversified with many partnerships and is more resilient to global shocks. Canada is building a more independent and resilient economy, and we are working to catalyze massive new levels of investment. In that context, I would like to thank the member opposite for raising the government’s new auto strategy.”
“Mr. Speaker, as the Olympics take off, Canadians from coast to coast to coast are cheering on our team Canada athletes. I am especially excited to support our national women's hockey team. This is a strong team made up of talented players from across the PWHL, including Blayre Turnbull, from Stellarton, Nova Scotia. I want to shout out head coach Troy Ryan, who grew up in Spryfield, which is in my riding of Halifax. As a long-time advocate for women's hockey, Troy has coached teams such as the Toronto Sceptres and the women's team at the 2022 Olympics. He is a proven leader and a great representative for Halifax and Canada. I congratulate our team Canada players and staff, and all athletes participating in events in Milano Cortina. Canada is proud to have them representing us.”
“They should wear their plaid, get a plate of haggis and enjoy performances by pipers and Highland dancers. Slàinte mhath .”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of my constituents in New Scotland, proudly wearing the Nova Scotia tartan thoughtfully given to me by my sister-in-law at Christmas, to recognize that this past Sunday, January 25, was Robbie Burns Day. This tradition honours the bard, who was an 18th-century giant of poetry and literature. At a time when Scottish culture was on the decline, Robbie Burns reinvigorated Scottish pride. He is called the poet of the people because he wrote in common language for all readers, using his poetry to advocate for important causes like women's rights. Burns continues to be rightfully regarded as one of the greatest Scots. I look forward to attending the annual Robbie Burns dinner on the Hill tonight, and I encourage my colleagues to attend.”
“Mr. Speaker, during the election campaign, I knocked on thousands of doors throughout Halifax. I kept hearing the same concerns about access to health care. My voters know that the federal government can and must be at the table with solutions to improve our health care system. Can the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship tell the House how our government will contribute to this essential work?”
“Appreciate life, don’t sweat the small stuff, and enjoy the ride.” I met Colleen only a couple of times, but I think she took her own advice, and I am very hopeful she enjoyed her ride. I would ask all members of the House to join me in remembering this incredible woman and in paying our respects to her family, friends and loved ones.”
“Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and legacy of a true Nova Scotian legend. Throughout her decades-long careers in curling and journalism, Colleen Jones broke down barrier after barrier, smashing through glass ceilings. A two-time world champion, six-time national champion, and 16-time provincial champion, having played more Scotties games than any curler in Canadian history, she was a staple in Canadian athletics. If that were not enough, Colleen had a 40-year career at CBC, where she made history as the first female sports anchor in Halifax. In 2015, she said the following: “My feeling is: Do the things that make us happy now, because tomorrow isn’t guaranteed.”
“I have had some really great conversations about what is in the budget for that too, such as industrial carbon pricing, methane regulations, the youth climate corps and so much more. I really hope that we can get this budget approved and get to work on building Canada strong.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am really excited about this budget, and people in my community are also very excited. It means great things for Halifax. As I outlined in my speech, we are a port city. We are well positioned to expand our trade to Europe and elsewhere. We have an amazing offshore wind resource. We are going full tilt on improving the health care system. I am really excited about the build communities strong fund. At the same time that we are building these large nation-building projects, we also have money for the local level, for communities at home, on the ground, to help support across all types of considerations and all types of sectors. I come from the environment and climate space.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am proud to congratulate Halifax-based ImmigrateAI Global for winning third place in the global business competition at the G20 Young Entrepreneurs' Alliance Summit. This is the first time a Nova Scotia company has been recognized on the G20 stage. Max Medyk, the founder and CEO, had to navigate the immigration system when he came to the United States and then to Canada from Ukraine. This sparked a desire to help others facing the same challenges. ImmigrateAI Global's venture is a platform designed to simplify immigration paperwork for professionals. It has helped to streamline visa applications, reduce costs for applicants and cut refusal rates in 140 countries around the world. On behalf of all Haligonians, I applaud all those at ImmigrateAI Global on their success, and I look forward to seeing what they will do next.”
“Mr. Speaker, I beg to differ. I sit in the Atlantic caucus, and we have a thriving francophone population across Atlantic Canada. In a recent meeting, I heard that our numbers are going up and passing targets. We have multiple investments in this budget to support the Francophonie across our nation, and not just in Quebec. I outlined only one that was particularly exciting for me. That $4 million would now be made permanent, whereas before, it had to be renewed. It was also doubled this year.”
“Mr. Speaker, I actually used to work for a local government and I spent a lot of time navigating jurisdictional differences between all three levels of government. We cannot move forward as a nation unless we work really positively and have strong relationships with our provincial and territorial counterparts, our indigenous governments and our local governments. I would invite the member to point out where there might be a discrepancy, from his point of view, but I think the budget is really about working together with all levels of government and providing the funding, the framework, the policy and the programs to get things done.”