Empowering Women and Creating Opportunities for Growth: A Summary of Canada's Budget 2018

1
Executive Summary on Growth
One of the greatest strengths of Canada lies in the diversity of its population. Equality is
also an important aspect for growth. Although women in the country are among the most
educated globally, they earn less than their male counterparts, and are also less participative in
the labour market. It is therefore important to close this gap and give women more opportunities.
This will enhance growth while also creating room for dialogue. In the budget 2018, the
Government seeks to set a plan for creating well paying jobs that will grow the economy and
strengthen the middle class. By encouraging equality, the government will be empowering its
population. It is worth pointing out that in the last two years, the unemployment rate in the
country has decreased significantly. The economy has created approximately 600,000 new job
opportunities. In addition, the government will introduce the New Canada Workers Benefit
(CWB). The initiative will permit the low-income earners to remain with a greater proportion of
their pay cheque. What’s more, the Government plans to fortify the Canada Child Benefit by
giving more help to families that need it most. Mainly, this will target single mothers and large
families with low incomes. This plan will also target the indigenous communities that face
significant barriers in accessing federal benefits such as the CCB. Through Budget 2018, the
government seeks to address the existing gender wage gap. Statistics indicate that narrowing the
gap between men and women’s wages will go a long way in stimulating the nation’s economic
growth. Furthermore, a new Parental Sharing Benefit will be introduced to support equality both
at the workplace and at home. Also, this measure will help to provide greater flexibility for
parents, especially mothers. In addition, the Budget 2018 purposes to initiate a new gender
results framework. Mainly, this aims at providing a guide to future decision making as well as
measure the progress made in nurturing an economy that benefits everyone. Most importantly,