Saturday, December 27, 2025
ADVT 
National

Keep running deficits until economy stabilizes? Trudeau dodges question

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 21 Jan, 2015 10:55 AM

    LONDON, Ont. — Justin Trudeau refuses to say if he thinks the federal government should abandon its commitment to a balanced budget given the economic turmoil caused by plunging oil prices.

    The Liberal leader says the Bank of Canada's surprise interest rate cut is further proof that Prime Minister Stephen Harper's government is on the wrong economic track.

    He says the government's priority should be on spurring economic growth and creating jobs — not delivering a $2.4-billion tax cut to the country's wealthiest families.

    Some economists say the Conservative government should be investing in things like infrastructure to encourage growth and give up its fixation on balancing the 2015-16 budget after six years of deficits.

    But Trudeau isn't going that far.

    He dodges the question when asked if it makes more economic sense to continue running a small deficit until the economy stabilizes.

    MORE National ARTICLES

    CFL commissioner Mark Cohon makes final Grey Cup state of the union address

    CFL commissioner Mark Cohon makes final Grey Cup state of the union address

    VANCOUVER — CFL commissioner Mark Cohon says his departure comes at a time of stability for...

    CFL commissioner Mark Cohon makes final Grey Cup state of the union address

    No simple solutions to revenue shortfall due to falling oil prices: Prentice

    No simple solutions to revenue shortfall due to falling oil prices: Prentice
    CALGARY — Alberta Premier Jim Prentice says there are no simple solutions for the revenue shortfall that will be coming due to plummeting oil prices.

    No simple solutions to revenue shortfall due to falling oil prices: Prentice

    Gas prices tumbling along with crude oil, but lower dollar is a headwind

    Gas prices tumbling along with crude oil, but lower dollar is a headwind
    CALGARY — With the price of crude plunging to its lowest level more than four and a half years, consumers are benefiting at the gas pump, but the savings are being dampened somewhat by a weaker dollar and other factors, according to an energy expert.

    Gas prices tumbling along with crude oil, but lower dollar is a headwind

    Oldest Canadian, Merle Barwis, held title for almost two years; dies at 113

    Oldest Canadian, Merle Barwis, held title for almost two years; dies at 113
    Canada’s oldest person who was known for celebrating her birthday with a cold beer has died just one month and one day shy of her 114th birthday.

    Oldest Canadian, Merle Barwis, held title for almost two years; dies at 113

    Ottawa posts $400M surplus for September compared with $3.8B deficit a year ago

    Ottawa posts $400M surplus for September compared with $3.8B deficit a year ago
    OTTAWA — The federal government posted a $400-million surplus for September compared with a $3.8-billion deficit in the same month last year.

    Ottawa posts $400M surplus for September compared with $3.8B deficit a year ago

    No immediate decision on convicted robocaller Michael Sona's bid for bail

    No immediate decision on convicted robocaller Michael Sona's bid for bail
    TORONTO — The former Conservative staffer convicted in the 2011 robocalls scandal will have to spend another few days in jail before learning if he'll be granted bail pending an appeal of his sentence.

    No immediate decision on convicted robocaller Michael Sona's bid for bail