the ndp benefit for the upper classes

It will be ironic if today's federal budget includes as provision demanded by the NDP that will benefit primarily the upper-middle and upper classes. I'm referring to the renewal of the home energy retrofit tax credit.

It's a passable "green" initiative which may help to reduce Canadians fossil fuel consumption and reduce heating costs and greenhouse-gas emissions. It's also an initiative that only benefits those with some money to spare for new windows, doors, air conditioners, insulation, etc. You have to spend up-front, apply and wait to get a portion of the expenses rebated. The savings you may incur in energy consumption costs will come only over many years.

It this one makes it into the budget it will be because it appeals to the moderately to very well-off voters to whom Harper's Conservatives cater while allowing Jack Layton to look good. Few of Layton's "ordinary, working class Canadians" will take advantage. The Harper cohort are also more likely to vote and the "ordinary" Canadians. A cynic might wonder if the initiative was cooked-up in that chat Steve and Jack had a few weeks ago; Steve offering to help Jack look good while avoiding an election and tossing another carrot to middle class, suburban voters in big houses.