GDP numbers worst since 2009, critics argue government needs to fix faltering economy
New numbers from Statistics Canada show nation-wide, the economy contracted by 1.6 per cent in the second quarter. It's Canada's worst showing since the global downturn of 2009.
Alberta wildfires caused considerable disruption to the GDP, but the sharp decline in numbers comes in the midst of slow economic growth.
Opposition critic for employment, workforce and labour, Gérard Deltell tells The Current's Anna Maria Tremonti he's not happy with how the government has handled the economy so far and want's the Liberals to do more to fix Canada's worsening economic situation.
Deltell says behind the number 1.6 per cent are the real people, the 110,000 Canadians who lost their jobs in the last two months. He says the government has failed.
"We must have a real plan for creating jobs."
Deltell argues the government has been "allowed out of control spending" when it comes to public money and points to a $30 billion deficit.
"It's unacceptable … How can you inspire [people creating jobs] when you are out of control."
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance, François-Philippe Champagne does not agree with Deltell's assessment on government spending.
"Nothing could be further from the truth… The primary cause of the low growth in Q2 was the Fort McMurray wildfires and we all understand that."
Champagne points out the government "inherited one of the worst growth records since post-war history."
Moving forward, Champagne says there will be petter days ahead. He is confident the government's plan to invest in Canadian families and the middle class will bring people back to work.
"The best way to delivery more prosperity to more Canadians is investing in the economy, today and for the long term. And that's what we will be doing," says Champagne.
This segment was produced by The Current's Kristin Nelson, Ines Colabrese and Julian Uzielli.