Canadian Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper is about to introduce a budget that has red ink all over it. If the $34 Billion dollar rumored price tag is correct, Canada will realize the certainty and reality of the largest deficit in more than a decade.
How things have changed from just a few months ago, when the minority Conservative Leader vowed there would be no deficit. However, times do change quickly and, with them the political leaders who rule. The story of Harper these past months – as he grapples with a minority Parliament and a fast changing economic downturn – has been one of political principles as they meet reality and perhaps to some, principles sacrificed for political expediency. Of course the reasons for the deficit are obvious, as Canada and the rest of the world are facing an extraordinary severe economic crisis.
On Oct. 7 of last year Mr. Harper stated, we will not be running a deficit. We will keep our spending within our means. It is that simple. The alternative is not a plan. It is just the consequence of complete panic, and this government will not panic at a time of uncertainty. Mr. Harper would no doubt love to take those words back..
•Canadian Marketplace:
-Feds to create a new $1 Billion dollar fund for hard hit industry workers.. Read more (here)
•Other Canadian Headlines:
-Beer Store Robbery–police officer shot in head.. Read more (here)
…..Doug T
