Government spending has become an important aspect of life in Canada.
In 2019, federal government spending accounted for just over one in every $5 of income in Canada.
In 2020, the federal, government shortfall in revenues was $314 billion with $154 billion projected this year.
This sea of debt is the setting for the unwanted federal election in a few days.
None of the three major parties in the running seems to care about the deficit, or have vague promises to deal with it.
Why the Liberals need a majority government is uncertain, unless the plan is to get some nasty measures like higher taxes on the books.
The Conservatives promise to end the deficit by balancing the books in 10 years, but promise no cuts to services or programs.
The NDP, whose chances of becoming government are slim, can promise the moon, knowing it won’t have to deliver.
Vague promises are the mark of platforms by all three major parties. That’s not enough for people accustomed to business plans on how to achieve our goals.
One of the great moral issues — our shameful abandonment of Afghan supporters who helped our military — hasn’t been addressed by any party. Would any have done better than the ill-conceived Liberal evacuations?
On the pressing issue of the economy, the Liberals talk about building a green economy to tackle climate change.
The Conservatives vaguely promise one million new jobs, with plans to subsidize new business.
The Conservatives want to ensure Canada is prepared for future pandemics but won’t approve of mandated vaccinations or vaccine passports to end the current fourth wave of COVID-19.
The Liberals support vaccine passports and have mandated vaccination for federal employees.
For long term home care and seniors, all three parties have a me-too platform needing more funds.
And all three have similar reconciliation plans to make people aware of how badly the Indigenous people have been treated.
One issue that should nag taxpayers is the bill for all these promises, if the elected party fulfils the promises — and the record is spotty.
The NDP and the Liberals promise to tax the wealthy to make up for the new spending. The Conservatives are silent on the matter, leading one to wonder if they will cut spending.
What neither the Liberals nor NDP discuss is how taxes on the wealthy are evaded, leading to loss of economic activity.
The release of the Panama Papers a few years ago showed the lengths to which wealthy people will go to evade taxes and the impact on various economies.
Personally, the three parties all seem to be in a liar's club performance, known as an election.
Is there is a massive orchard of money trees hidden in some Canadian valley?
Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net
