If we are truly ‘strong and resilient’ the government should act on the debt
OTTAWA—Like many Canadians, I skipped watching the Speech from the Throne and the prime minister’s “non-political chat” last week. It was unusual, as I have always been interested in the speech, especially as a public servant when I contributed a sentence or two. This time, I thought it was a waste of time, as I […]
Canada’s pandemic spending ‘barely sustainable,’ says PBO, projecting $328.5-billion deficit
Spending commitments outlined in the Liberals’ Throne Speech last week could plunge the country’s finances deeper into the red, says the Parliamentary Budget Officer, who released a new report estimating the federal deficit could hit $328.5-billion. Speaking to reporters through a videolink on Tuesday, Yves Giroux said that, under “current policy parameters” his office took […]
Three possible election date scenarios
There are three possible election date scenarios facing Canadians: the first coming on the heels of the Speech from the Throne, presumably on a non-confidence vote; second, a non-confidence motion put after a fall budget or economic update; and lastly, a vote of non-confidence following a spring budget. In all three scenarios Prime Minister Justin […]
At last, a break from the tyranny of supply-siders
OTTAWA—I may have missed it, but I don’t think we’ve heard from Conservative finance critic Pierre Poilievre on his new party leader Erin O’Toole’s position that a Conservative government would take 10 years to balance the government’s books. The usual Conservative obsession with deficits has been evident in Poilievre’s repeated complaints as Prime Minister Justin […]
Recovery measures for ‘national safety net’ should be in place before any talk of election, says Singh
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh says his parliamentary colleagues should secure and pass recovery supports for Canadians as the federal government transitions people off the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit and onto Employment Insurance, before considering holding an election. Speaking to reporters Friday morning, Mr. Singh (Burnaby South, B.C.) said his party’s “goal” is not to send […]
Is wielding a rubber stamp the price of keeping a job in Trudeau’s cabinet?
Ministers in Justin Trudeau’s cabinet have learned a hard lesson in recent times: disagreeing with the boss is hazardous to one’s political career. His latest victim was Canada’s chief financier, Bill Morneau, who was cut loose supposedly after a policy disagreement with his boss, making way for the more congenial Chrystia Freeland. Although prime ministers […]
‘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 […]
