Fiscal conservatism, R.I.P.

Hey, remember that election campaign a couple of months ago, when the Prime Minister warned that a Liberal government would put Canada back into deficit? Ah, those were the days...

Prime Minister Stephen Harper plans a major stimulus package to rescue the economy that will drive the federal budget deficit to between $20 billion and $30 billion next year.

The massive spending the Conservatives have in mind includes a bailout package for the struggling Big Three North American automakers, Harper told CTV News in a year-end interview.

Harper, who vowed during the election campaign never to run a budget deficit, now says the extra spending is needed in response to the unexpectedly deep recession and demands from Canadians to help them cope with the global economic crisis.

Much of the plan to strengthen and stabilize the economy will be focused on federal spending to help cities build and repair urban infrastructure.

[...]

Prime Minister Stephen Harper plans a major stimulus package to rescue the economy that will drive the federal budget deficit to between $20 billion and $30 billion next year.

The massive spending the Conservatives have in mind includes a bailout package for the struggling Big Three North American automakers, Harper told CTV News in a year-end interview.

Harper, who vowed during the election campaign never to run a budget deficit, now says the extra spending is needed in response to the unexpectedly deep recession and demands from Canadians to help them cope with the global economic crisis.

Much of the plan to strengthen and stabilize the economy will be focused on federal spending to help cities build and repair urban infrastructure.

I'd say Harper is governing like a Liberal - except that, the last time they were in power, the Liberals eliminated the deficit. (Sorry, folks, but the truth hurts.)

Damian P.

Posted by damian at December 19, 2008 07:33 AM