NowMedia video host Jim Csek welcomed Kelowna businesswoman and former MLA Renee Merrifield back into the studio for another episode of Beyond the Ballot.
In a recent KelownaNow live stream, the duo discussed a range of topics, including the Liberal government’s upcoming budget, debt, inefficiency in programs, and Canada's lagging economy.
Merrifield sharply criticized the federal Liberal government's upcoming budget and housing initiatives, calling them insufficient and overdue amid record-high spending and economic challenges.
Discussing Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne's announcement of a "generational investment" budget set for November 4, Merrifield dismissed it as inadequate.
"I just think this is too little, too late," she said.
She highlighted the government's fast-tracked projects as "a drop in the bucket" and "mere lip service," noting that most are already underway.
Merrifield warned of long-term consequences, stating, "I think they are going to be in debt for generations to come. And I think that is gonna be the Achilles heel."
On the "Build Canada Homes” plan, Merrifield expressed disappointment over British Columbia's exclusion from the 4,000 proposed units.
"We do have some of the highest housing costs in all of Canada. And to see BC completely ignored in that announcement was a little bit disappointing," she said.
Canada’s new government will table Budget 2025 on November 4th.
— François-Philippe Champagne (FPC) 🇨🇦 (@FP_Champagne) September 16, 2025
A budget to meet this moment.
A budget to build the strongest economy of the G7.
A budget to build the True North, Strong and Free. pic.twitter.com/LgjILpKERF
Describing the initiative as essentially "mobile home parks basically," she acknowledged that modular homes have improved but remain expensive at "four or $500 per square foot."
Merrifield said the details were “a little bit muddy so far."
She praised the partnership with developers but criticized the focus on large projects, which she said would "exclude a lot of smaller developers" and "smaller construction firms" lacking capital.
Merrifield advocated for direct incentives, agreeing with the idea of schemes to encourage builders and provide down payments for homeowners.
On another topic, Merrifield was critical of the federal dental care program's administrative costs, calling the $472 million spent "absolutely ridiculous" and a "grotesque example of how this government is not good at spending."
Turning to economic woes, Merrifield drew from a recent roundtable with Jerome Gessaroli of the Laurier Institute, describing it as "one of the most damning exposes on the Canadian economy."
She highlighted graphs showing Canada "bottomed out" compared to G7 nations, the OECD, and the US due to "too much bureaucracy and too many laws that make it difficult for companies to do business."
Merrifield emphasized the need for "certainty" to attract investment.
On taxes, Merrifield criticized Canada's approach to capital gains, contrasting it with the US system that allows reinvestment without immediate taxation, calling it "very shortsighted."
Regarding energy and climate policies, Merrifield argued for consumer choice, stating over 80% of Canadians want options for heating their homes, including natural gas.
She criticized heat pumps as unsuitable for variable climates like BC's interior.
On the carbon tax removal, she said it proved the government's predictions wrong, as prices dropped without companies absorbing the savings, helping lower inflation.
Merrifield also touched on provincial issues, slamming the BC NDP's fiscal update as "absolutely damning" and their $450,000 comedian expense as disingenuous amid deficits.
She noted the government's flip on LNG, calling it a sign of desperation.
Finally, on cabinet changes, Merrifield speculated on friction, describing Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland's new role as special envoy for Ukraine reconstruction as a "nothing sandwich" and "nothing job" to avoid a by-election.
"Carney's got trouble in his cabinet," she reiterated.
