https://nationalpost.com/opinion/jamie-sarkonak-chrystia-freelands-budget-is-woke-by-stealth
Chrystia Freeland's budget is woke by stealth
The words 'diversity,' 'equity' and 'inclusion,' do not appear in the budget but they are very much apart of it
Identity-based hiring for the coast guard, tens of millions for Black employees in the public service and mandatory diversity reporting at Canadian banks were some of this year’s identity-politics-infused budget measures.
Instead of diversity, marketing for this year’s budget has focused on infrastructure, jobs and the idea of “balance” — despite the whopping $493 billion in total spending, $59.5 billion in new spending, a $43 billion deficit, and $34.5 billion to be spent on interest (rising to $50.3 billion in 2027).
The words “diversity,” “equity” and “inclusion,” do not appear at all in Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland’s budget speech; feminism was mentioned, but only in the context of Canada’s record-high labour force participation for women. It was an interesting retreat for a party that regularly champions diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).
Perhaps it’s a sign that some communications strategists in Ottawa are starting to realize that DEI doesn’t have universal appeal. DEI is unavoidable though, since identity-based spending has been enshrined in Canadian law with the Canadian Gender Budgeting Act.
Another $55 million for housing was added to the National Housing Strategy. On top of housing need, the program prioritizes projects by identity.
The federal Student Work Placement program was given $197.7 million for 2024-25. The feds noted that the program will be aimed specifically at “students with disabilities, Black and racialized students, Indigenous people, and/or women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.” This isn’t surprising — the program already discriminates by providing greater wage subsidies for students who check off the diversity box, so we’re getting more of the same.
The Canadian Coast Guard is getting $120 million over the next five years to reinforce the fleet and hire more personnel. It’s a great initiative, considering the job implications for Atlantic Canada and the assistance it will give to the defence against illegal fishing. However, hiring will have “distinct considerations for Black and racialized people” — an unnecessary consideration that undercuts merit.
A grant program for Canadian colleges was expanded with $108 million over the next three years. Another important investment, but the grant program has a DEI component which asks applicants to demonstrate how projects will affect various identity groups.
The Canadian Media Fund received $40 million over two years “to make funding more open to traditionally underrepresented voices” by supporting the creation of jobs and content for “equity-deserving” communities. The Canadian Media Fund already offers numerous programs with preferential treatment to women, disabled persons, Indigenous people, visible minorities and sexual minorities.