Liberal Black Caucus host Post-Budget Roundtable with media from Black communities in Toronto
Thursday 25 April 2024
Toronto, ON – April 25, 2024 – The Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, MP Arielle Kayabaga, Chair of Liberal Black Caucus and Member of Parliament for London West, and MP Michael Coteau, Member of Parliament for Don Valley East, convened a post-budget roundtable discussion with media from Black communities in Toronto.
The roundtable, focused on “Fairness for Every Generation”, served as a platform for engaging with journalists and representatives from Black communities to discuss the implications of Budget 2024 and how it aligns with the needs and aspirations of Black Canadians.
In their opening remarks, Minister Ien, MP Kayabaga, and MP Coteau emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting all Canadians, particularly in light of the challenges we faced over the past few years. They acknowledged the significant hurdles Black communities continue to face today and highlighted how Budget 2024 will address them to achieve generational fairness for all Canadians.
Key highlights of the roundtable discussion included the government’s comprehensive plan to:
- Accelerate housing construction with a bold strategy aiming to build nearly 4 million homes by 2031.
- Make life more affordable by reducing living expenses, ensuring access to housing for students, and bolstering the national school food program.
- Grow an inclusive economy by creating more youth job placements and investing innovation.
- Ensure renters receive credit for their monthly payments, facilitating easier access to mortgages.
Minister Ien, MP Kayabaga, and MP Coteau expressed confidence in Budget 2024’s potential to bring about transformative changes in the lives of Canadians. They emphasized its capacity to address pressing issues and reaffirmed our commitment to working tirelessly for its successful implementation.
The roundtable concluded with a discussion on Budget 2024’s goals, including accelerating housing construction, reducing living expenses, and bolstering the Canadian economy, while ensuring generational fairness for all Canadians.
Quotes
“This roundtable isn’t just about discussing policies; it’s about recognizing the experiences of Black communities and making sure their realities are reflected. Encountering housing challenges, mental health struggles , and intersectionality barriers are issues that Budget 2024 aims to address. Black Canadians play a vital role in bolstering the Canadian economy. No voice should be left behind” – Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth of Canada
“During our roundtable discussion with Canadian Black media outlets, our government reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to supporting all Canadians, especially those who have faced disproportionate challenges in recent years. Acknowledging the immense difficulties our communities have endured, Budget 2024 stands as a beacon of hope, signaling our dedication to delivering generational fairness and building a Canada that works for everyone, regardless of background. Together, we strive to create a future where equity and opportunity are not just ideals, but realities for all.” – Arielle Kayabaga, Chair of Liberal Black Caucus and Member of Parliament for London West
“As we reflect on the challenges of recent years, Budget 2024 brings with it a new era of generational fairness and opportunity. From bolstering youth employment to ensuring housing affordability and fostering economic empowerment, this budget is our government’s dedication to continue building a Canada that works for everyone. With measures ranging from sheltering asylum claimants to advancing coding education, Budget 2024 shows that the government is here to help people from all walks of life succeed.” – Michael Coteau, Member of Parliament for Don Valley East