Massive federal deficit shows signs of shrinking, but economists urge policy review to avoid austerity measures
Despite the federal government posting a “historic” deficit during the pandemic, economists and Canada’s first parliamentary budget officer forsee it rapidly shrinking in the coming years as the country exits the pandemic and pulls back on its broad-based supports for Canadians. “If you look at the medium-term plan, we’re getting deficits back down to less […]
Feds’ rosy economic update could do more harm than good
TORONTO—Perhaps the boldest promise made by Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland in her 2021 fiscal outlook is that the Trudeau government “will ensure that there are good sustainable jobs for Canadians in every corner of the country, for decades to come.” That’s a great aspiration, and Canada has been trying to do this for more than […]
‘Do no harm’: A recipe for government to help industries out of COVID storm
“Do no harm,” a recognized universal principle in the field of medicine, means that it is better to avoid exposing people to additional risks through action. Viewed from the lens of public policy development, “do no harm” would mean taking a step back from any direct intervention and look to the broader context to mitigate […]
The many reflections of Pierre Poilievre
Described by political strategists both as “no bullshit” and as spouting bullshit, there’s no denying that Conservative MP Pierre Poilievre is a prominent and divisive figure as a finance critic, figurehead for criticism of the Liberals, and according to some, a person who would have a good shot at the party’s leadership. Poilievre was first […]
Time to take necessary steps for a more inclusive charitable sector
The pandemic has proven how essential the charitable sector is to the health and well-being of all Canadians. But it is sorely in need of new money—an argument that is gaining receptivity in cash-strapped Ottawa. The federal government launched consultations last year on whether it should raise the disbursement quota (DQ) for charities and foundations. […]
Red Chamber’s budget set to jump 5.4 per cent in 2022-23
Assuming a return to normal operations, the Senate of Canada’s budget will jump 5.4 per cent, or almost $6.3-million, to reach $121.8-million for 2022-23, but with Senators’ office budgets only set to increase by 1.9 per cent, a recently imposed Senate-wide retroactive staff salary increase is causing some “discombobulation.” The Red Chamber’s proposed main estimates […]
Delayed start puts accountability on hold in 44th Parliament
When Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his cabinet on Oct. 26, more than one month after the general election, it was clear that significant time and thought had gone into reconstituting his team. However, with Parliament not set to reconvene until Nov. 22, accountability and public participation in the budget process seem to be a […]
Guaranteed income supplement cuts for seniors reveal shortcomings in feds’ compassion commitment
One of the telling lessons from the coronavirus pandemic is that what governments do, or don’t do, carries far-reaching implications for the well-being of many in society. The most vulnerable—the elderly in long-term care, victims of opioid addiction, people who rely on mental health services, and Indigenous and racialized communities—were especially hard hit as a […]
Mission critical: key policy priorities for tough times and a minority Parliament
As Canada’s 44th Parliament prepares to kick off, it’s clear that policymakers will be tasked with addressing pressing challenges on multiple fronts—from the ongoing pandemic to the climate emergency, and deepening income inequality. Under a minority government, consensus building across the aisles of the House will be essential to ensuring the pandemic’s legacy is one […]
Budget 2021 is not up to the challenges we face
TORONTO—We need a new federal budget, this time one in which Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland clearly and candidly sets out the fundamental challenges facing the country and in which she also presents a clear plan on how to put Canada on the path to a more successful economy. Freeland’s first budget failed on both counts. […]
