PBO says proposed new power risks it ‘becoming a political instrument’
Parliamentary Budget Officer Jean-Denis Fréchette says the government’s intention to expand the mandate of his office to include costing of platform proposals at the request of political parties comes “with a lot of risk.” In the government’s fall economic statement, released at the beginning of this month, an entire page was dedicated to promising more […]
Feds’ plan to change budget process riles opposition
Opposition MPs are expressing concern over the Liberal government’s planned overhaul of the budget estimates process, saying promised changes could curb the amount of time available to scrutinize important data. The Liberals have been discussing plans to improve the financial planning framework for the government by better aligning the main estimates, which establish departmental budgets for the […]
The politics of unemployment
Re: “PBO says government has financial room to manoeuvre, economic update on tap this week,” (The Hill Times, Oct. 31, p. 1). The “fiscal anchor” has arbitrarily shifted from balancing the budget to reducing the debt-to-GDP ratio. Can either of these financial benchmarks that restrain government be economically justified? The practical limit to spending without triggering inflation […]
Expanding the CPP is unnecessary and counterproductive
In a column for The Hill Times, respected actuary Robert Brown responded to our criticism of the federal government’s case for expanding the Canada Pension Plan. While we’re pleased Mr. Brown has engaged collegially—in fact, despite disagreeing with our position, he acknowledges that our analysis is accurate. However, a rejoinder is warranted. At the heart […]
Feds spent $296.4-billion last year, left more than $12-billion unspent, election cited as possible reason
Federal government expenses totalled $296.4-billion in 2015-16, according to the recently published 2016 public accounts, with Finance Canada topping the government ministries at $90.2-billion. But another roughly $9.8-billion in approved spending lapsed last fiscal year after being left on the table, something the Parliamentary Budget Office will likely soon be examining. That’s based on $12.1-billion […]
Politics This Morning: Norway’s royal couple starts Canada tour, with emphasis on Arctic relations
Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway are in Canada and will be visiting the Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa at 2 p.m. They will be there to celebrate the opening of a Norwegian photo exhibit on the Arctic, compiled in partnership with Laval University, ArcticNet, Arctic Frontiers and the Royal Norwegian […]
Do we really need an expanded CPP?
The Fraser Institute has argued recently that the federal government has failed to make a convincing case for Canada Pension Plan (CPP) expansion. But their viewpoint depends heavily on trying to determine how much income Canadians need to retire with dignity. Do we require a 50 percent replacement of final earnings; or is it 70 […]
Unusual fall budget takes the long view on economic challenges
PARLIAMENT HILL—In a fall budget, Finance Minister Bill Morneau set aside the country’s current economic shortcomings and sought to address pressing questions about how Canada can maintain prosperity over the long term. The Liberal government used its economic statement Tuesday to announce a massive increase in infrastructure spending, a new “bank” to work with private companies to […]
Politics This Morning: 250 Olympic athletes, coaches to be celebrated in Ottawa
Here are the six political events happening today that you should know about: There will be a teleconference regarding Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, MaryAnn Mihychuk’s, first trip to Ukraine to try to boost bilateral cooperations in terms of labour, particularly in light of the recently signed free trade agreement. The teleconference will take place […]
$17.5-million spent on security during Obama visit: fiscal update to Parliament
The federal government spent $17.5-million on security when U.S. President Barack Obama visited Ottawa for a summit of North America’s three national leaders last June, show spending details revealed Tuesday in the government’s annual fall fiscal update to Parliament. The cost of heavy security and protection for President Obama, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Mexico President […]
