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The 180

An economist's advice to politicians campaigning about budgets

As we head into the 2015 election campaign, Canada's economy is in flux. Economist Mike Moffatt says the government, and anyone who wishes to form government, must take this into consideration when creating policy and making promises about spending-- or not spending.
CBC News ·
Finance Minister Joe Oliver says recent economic numbers predicting a possible Canadian recession will have no impact on the Conservative fiscal brand heading into the election. (Darren Calabrese/Canadian Press)

It was another rocky week for the Canadian economy, with a drop in interest rates and rumours of a recession. Despite this, the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister say they'll stick to their plan to balance the budget-- and avoid deficit. 

But Mike Moffatt says that's the wrong idea. He says no matter who forms government after the fall election, the current state of the economy says they should EMBRACE deficit -- not fear it. Mike Moffat is an assistant professor of Economics at the Ivey School of Business in London, Ontario. He is a frequent commentator on economic issues, and sits on the Liberal party's economic advisory panel. 

This week, he'll join guest host Stephen Quinn with his advice for all parties, when it comes to budgets and campaigning. 


 

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