Why was this done?
> From one of my internal sources at ECCC, basically they’re completely overhauling the warning system right now. We had the colour coded warnings implemented in November but the real massive change is the convective alert system which is moving to free form polygons and automatic storm tracking this spring. Basically combined with the fact they’re also changing over to semi-automatic phrasing on all warnings, the cost to upgrade the weather radio network to be capable of handling the convective alert changes would be wayyy to much to warrant it. They have already had to basically completely gut the way they issue CAP files to alert ready which has delayed the project by at least a year and put the budget over by god knows how much. Given the relative low use of WRC, and the enormous cost (we’re talking in the 10s of millions here) I can understand why. I will miss it. I have fond memories of being at my cottage listening to Severe Thunderstorm warnings while watching those beautiful summer storms move over the lake. WRC will alas become another part of our history.
The budget projects increases in both revenue and spending, and increases the deficit by ~50% percent.
What the government has asked for is widespread cuts across the board from current programs and operations (and staffing) to try to make more room for new spending in new areas. They are targeting getting to ~$13 billion CAD reduction in annual operations cost by end of decade.
By contrast, there are a lot of major spending programs - ~$10 billion CAD added to the defense budget, ~$5 billion CAD in tariff relief.