Rising inflation is putting many Canadians under stress.
So when the federal finance minister said he was ending his family’s Disney+ subscription and encouraged others to take similar steps, Twitter users reacted with anger and confusion.
This weekend, Global News aired an interview with Chrystia Freeland in which she talks about the rising cost of living, interest rates and how Ottawa will help.
Host Mercedes Stevenson asked Freeland if the Liberal government was open to reviewing wasteful spending programs.
Many Millennials, and increasingly Zoomers, spend on lifestyle experiences, dining, socializing, entertainment and vacations because they don’t think they could save enough for a down payment even if they tried.
“I could use the money I have to enjoy life in another way.”
— Kenneth Chan (@iamkennethchan) November 6, 2022
In response, Freeland said the government has already announced it will seek to find $9 billion in savings in the federal budget.
However, she added that she recognizes that Canadian families face a challenge and are examining their spending.
“Personally, as a mother and wife, I carefully review my credit card bill once a month. And last Sunday I said to the children, “You are older now. You don’t watch Disney anymore. Let’s cancel this Disney+ subscription,” she explained. “So we cut it. We only save $13.99 a month, but every little bit helps.”
Freeland added that he believes he will take the same approach as parents, cutting costs by mirroring those habits at the federal level.
“Because it’s Canadians’ money,” she said.
“We need to spend to support Canadians. We need to spend to invest in growth – like investing in a green transition.”
She added that federal finances will be scrutinized and the president of the Finance Board will find $6 billion in savings.
A clip of Freeland’s response was shared on Twitter by @inklessPW.
“Christia Freeland has advice for families struggling with inflation,” the tweet read.
Since it was posted late Saturday afternoon, it has received hundreds of comments and retweets from people who are not impressed.
Saves enough for a 45 second rental
— Duncan Stewart (@stewartape) November 6, 2022
Some responded that they had done everything in their power to reduce bills, but basic living expenses continued to weigh on them.
I canceled my live TV subscription. You save $90 per month! We are still paying 500+ a week for gas and groceries for our family of 5.
— Marie (@MRobi29) November 6, 2022
Others encouraged the federal government to create solutions themselves.
How about troubleshooting instead of “every little bit helps”?!?
— Phil Goodwin (@rocklayer99) November 6, 2022
A number of other social media users said the comments showed a lack of connection to the issues Canadians are experiencing.
So insulting
— #TrudeauMustGo (@askwhymoreoften) November 6, 2022
The interruption is revealed again. Unbelievable.
— David Sims-🇨🇦🇺🇲🇬🇧 (@DavidSI58) November 6, 2022
Last week, Freeland presented this year’s autumn economic statement and said that economic growth is expected to slow.
She also talked about doubling the GST tax credit for Canadians for at least six months, which was announced on October 18 when Bill C-30 received royal assent. She reiterated that the payments would begin on Friday.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted that Canadians can expect to start receiving payments on Friday, November 4.
Small business owners are also in for some relief.
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