Canada deficit shrinks more than anticipated

[William Ashley]

At this rate they may actually learn to be responsible before their election term ends.

First move might be increasing lowering their expenses more by removing ministerial salaries until the deficit is removed and the debt is paid down.

Second they could remit their own salaries to a $30,000 threshold and live like the rest of the middle class majority instead of strealing money from the pockets of Canadians for doing nothing but tub thumping.

It IS UNACCEPTABLE for the government to be running a deficit period.

It is unacceptable for them to be putting income taxes to anything but debt repayment as it was started for in WWI it is embezzlement and misappropriation for partisan gain!

LIARS AND CHEATS.

If they can't create revenue without theft and extortion they shouldn't be in government.

[Shady]

It must really piss you off that Harper has squandered that on ideological pet projects.

It does bother me that Harper spent too much. But it wasn't a result of pet projects. That's just hyperbole. But at the same time, I'm not blinded by the fact that the global recession had a lot to do with it as well. I'm just glad that the federal government will actually be spending less money over the next few years. And that they're actually talking about real logical reforms to programs, like OAS.

[mentalfloss]

Actually it was "squandered" by the global recession. I think you need to try my math exercise too!

GDP was still going up during 2008-2009.

Edited January 28, 2012 by mentalfloss

[cybercoma]

It's really funny that Shady and CPCFTW constantly deride politicians as socialists when they engage in any sort of spending for social welfare, but then support their deficit spending in times of economic hardship. You know why they're spending more money in those times? Social welfare. So on one hand they criticize for politicians creating any sort of safety net or spending on those project, but on the other hand they excuse the government for doing it. It's a bit of a paradox you gentlemen have yourselves in.

[Shady]

but then support their deficit spending in times of economic hardship.

Actually, I don't support their deficit spending in times of so-called economic hardship. I disagreed with Harper's stimulus spending. But you raise a great strawman. I think you're just upset that Chretien and Martin showed that cutting spending is how to get budgets under control They were Tea Party before Tea Party even existed!

[dre]

There are many situations in which deficit spending is justifiable. Still, this is good.

Thats true. But Canada is the easiest country in the world to run, because it can raise revenue so easily by flogging natural resources. We have outperformed comparable nations over the last 15 years, and I dont necessarily think its because our governments are smarter and better than everyone elses... its just an easier country to run. Theres a massive ammount of natural resources and hardly anybody lives here. We are basically the worlds "Natural Resources Walmart". Its pretty reasonable to expect are government to balance budgets (or damn close) the vast majority of the time.

Edited January 28, 2012 by dre

[Smallc]

GDP = $925B

Actually, Canada's nominal GDP is $1.6T, giving us the tenth largest economy in the world.

[CPCFTW]

Actually, Canada's nominal GDP is $1.6T, giving us the tenth largest economy in the world.

My bad. Misread the chart. The point is that GDP decreased that year and government spending is sticky.

Edited January 29, 2012 by CPCFTW

[CPCFTW]

It's really funny that Shady and CPCFTW constantly deride politicians as socialists when they engage in any sort of spending for social welfare, but then support their deficit spending in times of economic hardship. You know why they're spending more money in those times? Social welfare. So on one hand they criticize for politicians creating any sort of safety net or spending on those project, but on the other hand they excuse the government for doing it. It's a bit of a paradox you gentlemen have yourselves in.

I don't support spending at any time.

The fact is that it is politically impossible to cut spending with a minority government. Harper spent to maintain power.

The deficit arose from revenue decreasing due to the recession.

Budget 2012 is the first time we can truly see how fiscally conservative Harper is. Judging by his speech in Davos, I think we'll see some big cuts and big outrage from the opposition. Should be coming soon!!

[msj]

Did you bother to read the link I was referring to?

You really seem to have a problem with your left and your right scales, don't you?

[CPCFTW]

You really seem to have a problem with your left and your right scales, don't you?

Yes apparently.

But not really outside of the context of randomly googling and posting on an internet board in 30 seconds.

I don't have time to write a research paper on every post like some posters... cough.. waldo... cough.

Edited January 29, 2012 by CPCFTW

[msj]

Yes apparently.

But not really outside of the context of randomly googling and posting on an internet board in 30 seconds.

I don't have time to write a research paper on every post like some posters... cough.. waldo... cough.

Sure, but at least waldo has credibility whereas you have none.

[CPCFTW]

Sure, but at least waldo has credibility whereas you have none.

No credibility?

Thanks buddy. Congrats on the huge e-penis. Take a hike now.

Edited January 29, 2012 by CPCFTW

[cybercoma]

Actually, I don't support their deficit spending in times of so-called economic hardship.

Then you have no idea how the economy works.

[Smallc]

I don't support spending at any time.

That's silly.

[CPCFTW]

That's silly.

I'm not an anarchist... but what I mean is that I don't support spending as in the current model.

To clarify, I wouldn't support non-growth related spending at any time now until there are massive cuts to entitlement programs and government payrolls.

Edited January 29, 2012 by CPCFTW