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Are the critics correct? A vital perspective on Canada's economic record
One of the most egregious examples of failure to present perspective came in the aftermath of the Parliamentary Budget Officer’s report that the federal government’s forecasted $1.4-billion surplus for the 2015-16 fiscal year may turn into a $1.5-billion deficit. Opposition critics smelled blood. NDP Leader Tom Mulcair told reporters, “The Conservatives have always talked a good game on the economy, but they’ve never delivered on either.” Liberal Finance critic Scott Brison said, “Their economic record is in tatters.”
Such over-the-top commentary is just part of the political game, especially so close to an election. But that doesn’t excuse reporters for failing to lend perspective. The most obvious question for Mr. Mulcair and Mr. Brison is, “How significant is a $2.9-billion change in an $890-billion budget?” The answer is that it amounts to less than one-third of 1 per cent.
Read the full article here.
One of the most egregious examples of failure to present perspective came in the aftermath of the Parliamentary Budget Officer’s report that the federal government’s forecasted $1.4-billion surplus for the 2015-16 fiscal year may turn into a $1.5-billion deficit. Opposition critics smelled blood. NDP Leader Tom Mulcair told reporters, “The Conservatives have always talked a good game on the economy, but they’ve never delivered on either.” Liberal Finance critic Scott Brison said, “Their economic record is in tatters.”
Such over-the-top commentary is just part of the political game, especially so close to an election. But that doesn’t excuse reporters for failing to lend perspective. The most obvious question for Mr. Mulcair and Mr. Brison is, “How significant is a $2.9-billion change in an $890-billion budget?” The answer is that it amounts to less than one-third of 1 per cent.
Read the full article here.