‘Significant need’ for more fulsome fiscal plan, update from feds this fall, says Page
A speech from the throne will set out the Liberal government’s new policy agenda on Sept. 23, and, with no federal budget yet tabled for 2020, former parliamentary budget officer Kevin Page says there’s now a “significant need” for the feds to quickly follow up with longer-term fiscal plans as a matter of public confidence. […]
Carney’s informal advisory role on recovery could pose ‘unusual’ dynamic, but some say it’s ‘complementary’ match with Freeland
Chrystia Freeland’s elevation to the plum post of finance minister while Mark Carney is advising the government on the pandemic recovery has created an “unusual” dynamic in the political centre, says one Liberal MP, but he joined others in saying the former Bank of Canada governor would complement Ms. Freeland’s strengths. Ms. Freeland (University-Rosedale, Ont.) […]
Great Rebuild: Part III Special Report
It doesn’t require a ‘social revolution’: pandemic reshaping what’s possible, say experts
In a span of fewer than six months, the pandemic has upended, encroached, and transformed, just about every facet of life. The months ahead may help set the course for how society adapts to the conditions unleashed by the pandemic, as governments turn their focus onto recovery efforts while also bracing for another onslaught of […]
June lobbying a success with wage subsidy extension, groups say
Some associations are calling their June lobbying efforts a success, after the government agreed to a widespread push to extend the emergency wage subsidy program. The pandemic has necessitated fast-paced policy development and economic response, and companies report their government relations arms are busier than ever. Though June’s 2,002 recorded communications were down compared to […]
The other side of Canada’s deficit coin
For every transaction in the economy, there is someone on the other side: someone who is paying money always has someone on the other side receiving it. Last Wednesday’s economic and fiscal snapshot revealed a historic $343-billion deficit, 15 times higher than where the federal deficit stood at the end of last year. This came […]
NDP calls for wealth tax bill ‘immediately,’ PBO pegs revenue at $5.6-billion
NDP finance critic Peter Julian is calling on the federal government to immediately introduce legislation to bring in a wealth tax, which a new report from the Parliamentary Budget Officer says could bring in $5.6-billion in new revenue. Finance Minister Bill Morneau (Toronto Centre, Ont.) said on July 8 that the government was on track […]
Unfazed by the deficit hawks, Morneau uses ‘snapshot’ to preview environmental, social justice priorities
OTTAWA—Finance Minister Bill Morneau delivered the bill for the federal government’s COVID-19 response, including a $343-billion deficit, but brushed aside demands for a blueprint to rein in the huge debt caused by the pandemic. Morneau’s 168-page fiscal release, which was more like a family album than a snapshot, will disappoint some Canadians because it was […]
Feds’ fiscal snapshot puts deficit at more than $340-billion, with promise of an update in fall
Finance Minister Bill Morneau unveiled a plan on Wednesday for managing the unprecedented levels of spending aimed at buffering the economic shock of the pandemic, projecting a deficit of more than $300-billion and promising another update in the fall. In a 168-page document released as much of the country is steadily adjusting to the new […]
Lobby groups push feds to pivot to recovery phase, say more cash needed for key sectors
Associations are pivoting to recovery in their federal advocacy asks, with those among the most actively lobbying government in May pushing for flexibility on some of the government’s emergency measures and calling for more funding to protect at-risk industries. The busiest groups lobbying last month include members in the post-secondary education, oil, and forestry sector […]
