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Federal Budget 2016: Bill Morneau defends Liberal priorities

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has high expectations for his government's first budget. He says this budget is extraordinary and will help people and grow the economy. But what the government considers a pledge to invest, the opposition calls reckless spending.
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Minister of Finance Bill Morneau tabled the federal budget on Parliament Hill, March 22, 2016, with a projected deficit at $29.4 billion. Last fall, the deficit was projected at $10 billion. (Justin Tang/Canadian Press)
The Current19:40Federal Budget 2016: Bill Morneau defends Liberal priorities

On March 22, 2016, in Ottawa, the rubber finally hit the road, as the new Liberal government delivered its first budget.The document titled, Growing the Middle Class, has promised money to families, infrastructure and indigenous people. 

When Canada's finance minister delivered the new Liberal budget in Ottawa, March 22, 2016, he said the budget was a beginning to restore hope for the middle class (Adrian Wyld/CP)

But with a new budget comes a projected deficit of $29.4 billion, reducing to $14 billion by fourth year of mandate. During last fall's election, the promise was for no more than $10 billion.

What does Budget 2016 mean for you?

9 years ago
Duration 1:14
Here's the impact of the latest budget on taxpayers.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has called his government's first budget "extraordinary," saying it will help a lot of people and grow the economy. 

However, what the government considers a pledge to invest, the opposition calls reckless spending. 

Opposition finance critic Lisa Raiit feels the new budget puts Canada on the wrong economic track. (Chris Young/CP)

The Current's Anna Maria spoke with Canada's Finance Minister Bill Morneau and the opposition finance critic, Conservative MP Lisa Raitt.

Are you satisfied with the new budget?

Tweet us @TheCurrentCBC. Find us on Facebook to comment or send us an email.

This segment was produced by The Current's Sujata Berry and Vanessa Greco.

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