OTTAWA — Prime Minister Mark Carney defended the federal budget on Wednesday, calling it a "bold response" to significant global economic challenges. His remarks came during a news conference held at a public transit yard in Ottawa, where he addressed concerns raised by critics regarding the scale of the government's investment plans.

Carney emphasized the need for decisive action in light of the current economic disruptions. He stated, "These profound changes require a bold response, and that's what we got yesterday." His comments were aimed at reassuring the public and stakeholders about the government's commitment to addressing pressing economic issues.

The budget has faced scrutiny from various quarters, with some questioning whether the proposed investments are sufficient to meet the challenges ahead. Critics have expressed concerns about the adequacy of funding for key sectors and the overall ambition of the budgetary measures.

Despite the criticism, Carney maintained that the budget reflects a necessary and strategic approach to navigating the complexities of the current economic landscape. He urged Canadians to view the budget as a proactive step towards fostering economic resilience and growth in the face of uncertainty.