Senator Plett: Senator Gold, we find ourselves in a period of skyrocketing inflation and financial uncertainty as the recession looms. Conservatives have been warning about your government’s uncontrollable spending for years. This is not just my allegiance to Pierre Poilievre, as obviously your allegiance is to your leader. It’s been challenged by the PBO, and economists across the country are in agreement that additional spending during an inflationary period will only make inflation worse.

Your government’s response to the worsening inflation has been to simply announce more spending. Why does your government refuse to take these warnings seriously? When will you finally get serious about inflation, Senator Gold?

Senator Gold: The government is serious about inflation, and it is taking measures necessary to address it while helping Canadians weather the storm at the same time.

Senator Martin: Government leader, not everyone has an inflation-proof job. The number of Canadian families seeking debt relief is increasing. In September alone, the number of insolvencies rose by 3.1% — and they are not alone.

In the third quarter, the total number of Canadian business insolvencies increased by 48.5% compared to last year: almost 50%. Increased borrowing costs, inflation, production and labour issues, as well as a government that won’t cap its own spending have created the perfect storm. Leader, when will the government cap their spending and cancel their planned tax hikes?

Senator Plett: Senator Gold, I don’t need to remind you that we currently find ourselves with the worst inflation in decades, and there is a recession on the horizon.

Many Canadians are struggling under the skyrocketing cost of living. Students are going to school hungry, Senator Gold. People are turning to food banks in record numbers — in Canada. Your government’s plan is clearly not working, Senator Gold. If ever there was a time for sage, economic counsel, now would be the time.

How much longer do Canadians have to wait for the government to fulfill its promise to take the economy seriously?