Rick Jones, Barrie’s Federal Liberal candidate, said he likes what he sees in the 2008 federal budget, announced Tuesday, partly because it includes a lot of Liberal ideas.

“A lot of the initiatives were Liberal and we are glad to see them in,” Jones said. “Like making the gas tax transfer permanent, that was something that we suggested back in February 2007.”

Jones said other issues like support for the auto sector, funds for infrastructure and transit were suggestions made by the Liberals in the past.

“There was a carry-through, which they’ve done, that I think is a good thing,” he said. “But these issues have Liberal origins. I say that not to be partisan, but it’s the truth.”

While Jones was glad to see some things included, he was disappointed others were left out.

“The affordable housing issue is still missing and that is a huge problem for so many people,” said Jones, who also the chairman of the Simcoe County Alliance to End Homelessness.  “And the green initiatives have been very weak.”

Jones said the federal government has an environmental deficit to deal with that is being outpaced by initiatives such as British Columbia’s carbon tax.

“There was nothing being suggested to initiate a program of taxing carbon emissions,” he said. “The government is still lagging behind Canadians on a number of very important fronts.”

Overall, Jones called the budget a modest document and safe.

“It’s not innovative,” he said. “But at least they are addressing, through some supports for Ontario and Barrie, some things we need.”