|
|
 |
|
Features: |
| |
| You are here:
Home > Features > The 2003 Federal Budget: ‘Northern Tiger’ Spends Big |
In Perspective
Where will this budget take Canada?
Chrétien and Manley’s budget provides a pivot for the political meantime that
will continue to dominate Canadian politics for the next nine months (in the lead up
to the Liberal Party leadership election on November 15th). The budget initiates a debate
about the party's priorities, the government, and the Canadian public.
Most are hoping this budget signals an era of prosperity for Canada in the new century.
But any measure of optimism is stifled by heavy doses of uncertainty. Global geopolitics,
unrest, and a stagnant US economy make for uneasy economic forecasting. Economists are
at a loss to explain Canada’s economic solvency in light of the United States’ current
woes.
This weekend in Paris, finance ministers from other G-7 countries will commend Manley
for guiding strong economic growth and continuing to balance the federal budget. But,
Manley’s popularity in Canada is his primary fixation. So far, the budget has failed
to make him more popular than Paul Martin, but its long-term resonance will be more
important. Above all, the budget makes a significant investment in Canada’s health,
social, economic, and environmental well being. Is it enough, or too much?
|
