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House Hansard - 174

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
March 28, 2023 10:00AM
Context: House Hansard - 174 - Mar/28/23
Mr. Luc Berthold (Mégantic—L'Érable, CPC)
  • Mar/28/23 4:28:15 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, the budget we are being presented with today raises many questions. First, it bears repeating that, in 2015, this government promised to run only modest deficits before returning to a balanced budget in just four years' time. This is the same Prime Minister who said that, one day, the budgets would balance themselves. This is the same Prime Minister who said that it was time to invest in Canada because interest rates were low and would stay that way. Today, the Minister of Finance is tabling a budget that follows last year's budget, when she said the following: On this next point, let me be very clear. We are absolutely determined that our debt-to-GDP ratio must continue to decline and our deficits must continue to be reduced. The pandemic debt we incurred to keep Canadians safe and solvent must [and will] be paid down.... This is our fiscal anchor. Here is what the minister said in English: This is our fiscal anchor. Last year's figure was 42.4. The minister went on to say: Canada has a proud tradition of fiscal responsibility. It is my duty to maintain it and I will... This year's projected ratio is 43.5. The projection for next year is 43.2. In its first budget after announcing its fiscal anchor, the government is exceeding its fiscal anchor. It should never be exceeded. Given everything I have just said, can the Minister of Inflation tell us why Canadians should believe a word of these budget forecasts or trust them?
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