You could call this weeks Federal Budget the "Gender Equity" budget, with the term mentioned over 300 times in the document.

High River Chamber of Commerce President Steven Muth says while making sure women are treated properly in the workplace and receive equal pay for equal work, is a laudable goal, if it's being championed by the Government, chances are it won't work.

"When a government throws money at a problem, the money disappears into the black hole called bureaucracy, and it rarely gets to the people that deserve and need the money. Unfortunately, it's probably not going to have the effect the government brags it's going to. But it's still something that needs to be addressed in society."

Muth says it's disappointing the Liberals didn't address the drain of capital happening in Canadian business, particularly in the energy sector, in their budget.

"From a business standpoint and a general resident standpoint it is disappointing that this budget does not take a lead in trying to find a balance from a business investment standpoint with this country to try and get some of that money invested back in this country."

Numbers from Statistics Canada says projected investment in Alberta's oil and gas sector to go down for the fourth straight year totalling $35 billion in declines since 2014, or a 61 per cent drop, while places like Saskatchewan, Texas and North Dakota are seeing a boom.

UCP Leader Jason Kenney says much of the drain out of Alberta comes thanks to the U.S. where the Trump Administration has cut corporate and business taxes by nearly half, making it a much more desirable location for investors to spend their money.

Muth says overall there wasn't a lot for average Canadians or Business owners in the budget.

 

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