National

Biden unveiling $2-trillion infrastructure plan

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 31 Mar, 2021 04:40 PM

The first $2-trillion tranche of Joe Biden's sweeping infrastructure plan is fuelling Canadian concern about "Buy American" protectionism.

The package, which the U.S. president is promoting today in Pittsburgh, includes $650 billion for highways, airlines and water systems, $400 billion for home care and $300 billion for affordable housing.

Biden is bent on resurrecting America's manufacturing sector, as well — the plan includes $580 billion for manufacturing, job training and R & D.

North of the border, stakeholders will be listening closely for clues to how hard it will be for Canadian suppliers and contractors to take part.

More stringent Buy American rules, designed to ensure the benefits of U.S. spending stay at home, were a cornerstone of Biden's election campaign.

Today's announcement includes details of proposed tax increases to pay for the plan — increases that Republicans in Congress are not likely to support.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Supreme Court reserves judgment on carbon tax

After two days of hearings and presentations from more than two dozen interested parties, the court adjourned without yet deciding whether the carbon price is constitutional.

Supreme Court reserves judgment on carbon tax

Liberals unveil sweeping plans for now, future

The Liberals framed their approach Wednesday as giving Canadians a choice, in an echo of their 2019 election campaign strategy.

Liberals unveil sweeping plans for now, future

Parties agree on hybrid Commons sittings

The plan also includes reconstituting committees such as a special body examining Canada-China relations.

Parties agree on hybrid Commons sittings

Overdose deaths drop in August from July in B.C.

Data from the coroners service show overdose deaths began increasing in B.C. just as the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March, when 113 people died, up from 73 in February.

Overdose deaths drop in August from July in B.C.

Five highlights from the throne speech

Aiming to make Canada a world leader in clean technology, the Liberals promise a new fund to attract investments in making zero-emissions products. The government will also cut the corporate tax rate in half for these companies.

Five highlights from the throne speech

Liberals vow wage-subsidy extension, EI revamp

Today, the Liberals' throne speech promised to extend the subsidies to summer 2021, acknowledging the economic situation facing many employers is still fraught.