**Ottawa Budget Highlights Economic Growth and Infrastructure Plans** Ottawa's latest budget, titled "Canada Strong," aims to stimulate economic growth and address infrastructure challenges. The 406-page document outlines various initiatives, but some critics find it lacking in focus and clarity. During the budget lock-up, the language used in the document raised eyebrows. Terms like "catalyzing," "super-charging," and "empowering" were prevalent, leading to calls for a more concise presentation. One suggestion was for the finance minister to read the entire budget into the parliamentary record to encourage brevity. A notable claim in the budget suggests that cutting tolls on bridges and ferries in Prince Edward Island resulted in a 25% increase in traffic. This highlights the impact of pricing on consumer behavior. Critics argue that significant tax cuts could further enhance economic growth. The budget's cover features a Canadian icebreaker navigating through broken ice, symbolizing the government's aspirations. However, some question whether the government can achieve its goals quickly, given the current economic landscape. The budget emphasizes the importance of productivity and business investment as keys to economic growth. It acknowledges that regulatory hurdles have hindered infrastructure development in Canada. The document states, "For too long, the construction of major infrastructure in Canada has been stalled by arduous, inefficient approval processes." In response to these challenges, the government plans to establish a new Major Projects Office, which will receive $213.8 million over the next five years. This office aims to streamline the approval process for significant projects. The budget also addresses environmental concerns, particularly regarding a proposed cap on oil and gas emissions. It suggests that the cap may not be necessary if carbon markets and enhanced regulations are effectively implemented. Additionally, the budget outlines a comprehensive national industrial strategy, emphasizing trade diversification. The term "strategy" appears over 100 times in the document, indicating a strong focus on long-term planning. Overall, while the budget presents ambitious goals for economic growth and infrastructure improvement, its effectiveness will depend on the government's ability to navigate regulatory challenges and implement its proposed strategies.