“This Liberal government doesn’t have a revenue problem. They have a spending problem.”

Those words from Dr. Robert Kitchen, Member of Parliament for Souris-Moose Mountain, in reaction to the federal budget, which was released Wednesday afternoon. Kitchen added they federal government has made life more expensive, as opposed to lowering taxes and introducing a job creation plan.

“Instead, Canadians are getting nickel and dimed to death by this Prime Minister so he can continue to fund flawed Liberal ideas,” Kitchen said in a press release.

There were no specific projects for the Souris-Moose Mountain riding included in the budget, which didn’t surprise Kitchen. He said the budget continues to increase what the average Canadian will be paying through a number of sources, including changes to how many services are being billed, and how various items are taxed. There are also some tax credits, such as the public transit tax credit, which will be eliminated, hitting the average resident of his his riding in the pocket book.

The budget from the federal government will increase employment insurance premiums, while also increasing taxes on alcohol and tobacco. It also details how $11.2 billion will be handed out to cities and the provinces for affordable housing over the next ten years. There will also be an innovation and skills plan introduced for six sectors, including manufacturing, agri-food, clean technology, digital industries, bio-sciences and clean resources.

The budget includes $7 billion over ten years which is intended to create 40,000 subsidized daycare spaces across the country by 2019, as well as extending parental leave to 18 months from 12, and allowing expectant mothers to claim maternity benefits up to 12 weeks before their actual due date.

The federal deficit, which was at $25.1 billion in the last fiscal update, is down to $23 billion. It is expected to reach upwards of $28.5 billion within the 2017-18 fiscal year, although that includes a $3 billion contingency fund.

The five cent increase to EI premiums will bring it to $1.68 for every $100 earned. This is the maximum allowable increase under the current legislation. There will also be a crackdown on those who evade and avoid taxes.

In addition to the other changes, the Canada Savings Bond program is being eliminated. The program, which was introduced in 1946, is said to no longer be cost effective.