Steve Powrie, Liberal opponent to Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo MP Cathy McLeod in the federal election last fall, responded to some statements the Conservative MP made at her Aug. 23 forum in 100 Mile House.
Powrie took exception to certain comments McLeod made about the Liberal government’s deficit management, including her concern that Canada’s debt of $630 billion has “increased a lot.”
“What Cathy McLeod failed to mention was that the Stephen Harper Conservatives managed to turn 10 consecutive surplus Liberal budgets into seven consecutive deficit budgets totaling a massive $164 billion – 24 per cent of the total federal debt accumulated since Confederation.
“So, she’s right when she says that is ‘a lot’.”
Powrie adds in “fairness,” the economy faltered badly during that period of time and the Conservatives were following a path that most economists support – when the resource and manufacturing sectors are unable to grow the economy, governments need to take measures to jump start it.
The Canadian economy is once again in need of a boost, mostly due to the sharp drop in the price of oil and the lingering global economic malaise, he explains.
“The difference is that Justin Trudeau’s Liberals anticipated the need for government spending and made it a central theme in the pre-election platform.
“It’s a clear contrast to the promises from the Conservatives and NDP to continue the slash-and-burn approach to achieving a balanced budget.”
By electing a majority Liberal government, Powrie says voters supported a mandate to promote a more diverse economy and create jobs, support lower- and middle-income families, restore important programs and services, create a strong relationship with Indigenous Peoples and introduce measures to confront climate change.
“That is exactly what the Liberal government is doing.”
