The Canadian Election: Some Questions
by Eduardo del Buey
The Canadian Election: Some Questions
Donald Trump has unleashed a global cataclysm, creating a tectonic shift in Canadian politics.
Four months ago, an election campaign in Canada focused on housing, the cost of living, and other important domestic issues.
Donald Trump’s tariffs have established a new paradigm and have somewhat unexpectedly propelled the Liberals into a lead that could lead to a majority government.
Whoever wins the election will face a national debt of US $1,5 trillion, which requires $46.5 billion annually to service. This is in addition to the annual deficit of $60 billion.
So, when one hears all the promises being touted to voters, one might be excused for asking, “Where’s the beef? "
Canadians would start each fiscal year with a $105 billion deficit before spending one cent on programs and government salaries.
I agree that billions of dollars could be saved by eliminating hiring private consultants to provide services that civil servants can effectively deliver.
There are billions to be saved by excluding immigrants who cannot support themselves and lack the skills needed to contribute to the Canadian economy.
This would lower the demand for housing as well as for the funding currently spent on providing these immigrants with a livelihood at the taxpayers’ expense.
Do either of the candidates possess the courage to confront these challenges?
When Mr. Carney says that a Liberal government will maintain all the social programs created by the Trudeau administration and, furthermore, that his government will invest billions in oil and gas pipelines, housing, and the military, where will the government obtain the funding?
When Mr. Poilievre announces that he will use the tariff windfall to pay down the debt instead of assisting the hundreds of thousands of laid-off workers and small businesses facing ruin, how does he address the needs of the average Canadian?
When both leaders say they will expedite the construction of a coast-to-coast pipeline, how do they plan to get Quebec to agree?
I concur with their announcements about negotiating a trade and security deal with the Trump administration. However, how can they ensure that Trump would adhere to any agreement reached?
Mr. Carney has announced his intention to diversify the sourcing of military equipment away from U.S. suppliers. I agree that this is an excellent move, considering the volatility of the Trump administration. However, how would he and Mr. Poilievre fund Canada’s commitment to allocate 5% of GDP to the military and establish the infrastructure necessary to maintain Canada’s sovereignty in the Arctic?
How would commitments to lower taxes help secure the funding necessary to achieve their goals?
Lowering corporate taxes will boost Canada's competitiveness and attract new investments. However, reducing the government's available funds will limit its capacity to provide the services promised in its electoral platforms and address budget deficits and debt.
These are questions that cannot be addressed through slogans.
They need to be direct with voters and convey harsh truths.
Mr. Carney has informed Canadians that difficult times are approaching, and many will encounter hardships along the journey.
Canadians need more of these reality checks to trust their government and leaders.
Are the candidates up to it?
...and just as importantly, are Canadians up to it? I detect a sense of entitlement pervading the land, one that would astound our parents and grandparents and great-grandparents, who rolled up their sleeves, took the hits, contributed to the war effort, and rebuilt from the ashes. We do well to see that we are in wartime. We may be fortunate enough not to have to take up arms, but we most certainly will have to make sacrifices to defeat greed and cruelty.
Thank you for bringing up these thought-provoking points, Eduardo. As always, you have provided a healthy dose of reality checks!
Sorry, too discouraged to comment on your excellent commentary.