Relief Today, Reform Tomorrow: Our Take on Budget 2025
The 2025 federal budget offers short-term relief for Canadians, but it falls short of the long-term reform our country needs.
The Modern Commons Party welcomes measures that make life more affordable, such as the reduction of the first income tax bracket, the cancellation of the consumer carbon/fuel charge, and automatic access to federal benefits for low-income Canadians. These steps will put more money in people’s pockets and help those who need it most.
But relief alone is not a vision. Budget 2025 reacts to immediate pressures rather than addressing the deeper structural challenges facing Canadians today: rising housing costs, regulatory barriers to small business growth, and a public sector that often prioritizes process over results.
Jack Henry, Leader of the Modern Commons Party, said, “This budget gives Canadians a small break today, but it doesn’t fix what’s broken for tomorrow. People don’t just need relief; they need a plan that restores confidence in government, makes housing possible again, and helps small businesses grow. The Modern Commons stands for balance, pragmatic ideas that keep life affordable today while building a stronger, fairer economy for the next generation.”
Where Budget 2025 Aligns with Modern Commons’ Platform
Affordability & tax relief: Lower taxes and automatic benefits are consistent with our commitment to help working Canadians and families.
Housing investment: Funding for housing supply aligns with our platform’s focus on accessible homes for local communities.
Efficiency & pragmatic governance: Slowing program spending growth reflects our belief in practical, evidence-based government.
Where We Would Do Things Differently
Tax and benefit reform: Instead of isolated relief measures, we advocate for a simplified, transparent system that reduces red tape for families and small businesses.
Housing and regulatory reform: Money alone won’t solve Canada’s housing crisis. We would cut regulatory barriers, streamline permitting, and empower local builders and co-ops to deliver homes faster and more affordably.
Energy and climate policy: Cancelling the consumer carbon charge provides immediate relief, but Modern Commons would pair affordability with investment in clean technology and domestic energy production, ensuring Canada’s future energy security.
Outcomes-based government spending: Efficiency isn’t just slowing growth — it’s delivering results. We would measure performance, cut duplication, and modernize service delivery so taxpayers see real value.
Support for small and mid-sized businesses: A thriving local economy benefits everyone. We would simplify tax filing, reduce barriers to growth, and provide incentives for innovation and regional investment, particularly in rural and mid-sized communities.
Regional and community focus: We recognize that rural and small-town Canada face unique challenges. Our approach would tailor housing, infrastructure, and economic policies to local realities, rather than imposing one-size-fits-all solutions.
Budget 2025 offers welcome relief to Canadians today, but it does not address the structural changes required to secure prosperity for tomorrow. Modern Commons stands for pragmatic, common-sense policy — helping Canadians keep more of what they earn, access the services they need, and thrive in communities that are built to last.
“We need policy that looks past election cycles and delivers results that last. Relief without reform is temporary. Modern Commons is ready to build a stronger, fairer Canada — now and for the future.” said Jack.