Hoback says budget falls short for farmers, welcome’s Wainwright support

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The Conservative MP said he did not yet know how families would access the support. He said the measure drew a standing ovation from all parties in the House of Commons.

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"The devil is in the details."

Hoback says budget falls short for farmers, welcome's Wainwright support

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On agriculture, Hoback said he was disappointed the sector ‘doesn’t appear to be a priority for this government.’ He said broader deductions for capital investment could help farmers and small businesses looking to become more efficient, depending on how the measures are applied.

The budget outlines measures under Ottawa’s National Food Security Strategy, which was launched in June. They include $1 billion in financing through Farm Credit Canada to expand food processing capacity and $150 million to help small and medium-sized businesses upgrade equipment used to grow, produce and process food.

Grocery benefit top-up

The budget proposes a one-time 50 per cent increase to the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit for the 2026–27 benefit year, with the top-up to be paid in early 2027. An eligible single person without children could receive up to $339, while an eligible couple with two children could receive up to $679.

“It’s a nice token gesture in a lot of ways. And I know some people really appreciate it,” Hoback said. “But in the big picture, it’s not enough to really help the average family in the riding of Prince Albert.”

Hoback said he would favour tax reductions and measures to lower shipping costs, arguing those could leave households with more money to spend.

Forestry and rink funding

With layoffs underway at the Big River sawmill, Hoback said Ottawa’s proposed $6.5 billion over six years for the forest sector could help sawmills and pulp mills become more competitive. He said getting the United States to lift softwood lumber tariffs would do more for workers.

The budget also proposes $1.5 billion over nine years for new construction and upgrades to recreational facilities across Canada. Half would go to ice rinks and half to other community recreation facilities.

Hoback said he’ll look closely at whether Prince Albert and smaller communities in the riding can use the funding. He said individual projects can cost $10 million to $20 million, so the money could go quickly once it’s spread across the country.

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panews@pattisonmedia.com