They also get a year end bonus for attending those meetings .
Trudeau Is Going To Bury Us In Debt
- Thread starter Decapoda
- Start date
Here is somewhat of an oddity (I think) in government spending that has us shaking our heads. The Nanaimo Regional District(county) just bought an old school from the local school board to turn into a park,and the gym into a hall. The cost is being picked up by the taxpayers in the local area. What has us scratching our heads in wonder is why taxpayers are shelling out a couple of million for a property that already belongs to the local taxpayers.
Dryden has a golf club / curling venue that was gifted to them with the caveat it remain a green space. Too stupid to know what to do with it, they gave it away for a dollar 7 years ago only to buy it back for $650,000 this year. Still don't know what to do with it.
Remote enough to be close to the Experimental Lakes Research Center due to the self contained watershed. It's a long walk to anywhere from Dryden.
Record Muskie caught on that lake. Great snowmobiling ( can sometimes be combined with the long walk )
But high taxes and we're fed up with that.
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To the despair and fury of dental surgeons everywhere.
Well, everywhere they play hockey, anyhow.
Just going by memory , but I think Ken Dryden became a Liberal MP or Senator , he did get his law degree prior to playing for Montreal . Can’t remember his brother, but Jacques Plante was first to wear a mask in NHL and he was pretty much before Drydens time .
Ken Dryden (1947–2025) was a prominent Canadian Liberal politician, serving as a Member of Parliament (MP) for York Centre from 2004 to 2011
. A former NHL Hall of Fame goaltender, he served as the federal Minister of Social Development (2004–2006) under Prime Minister Paul Martin, focusing heavily on child care and social policy.
Study accuses Carney Liberals of 'substantially' worsening federal finances
Combined deficits from 2025-26 to 2029-30 will total $321.7 billion, compared to $154.4 billion projected by Trudeau
Author of the article:Lorrie Goldstein
Published Mar 17, 2026 • Last updated 1 hour ago • 3 minute read
Interim parliamentary budget officer Jason Jacques told senators that Budget 2025 changed his mind on Canada's financial sustainability
Prime Minister Mark Carney holds up a copy of the budget as he and Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne make their way to the House of Commons for the tabling of the federal budget on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. Photo by Justin Tang /THE CANADIAN PRESS
Prime Minister Mark Carney plans to spend more and run deficits more than twice as large over the next five years compared to those planned by the previous Liberal government, according to a new study by the Fraser Institute.
As a result, Carney’s combined deficits are projected to total $321.7 billion from 2025-26 to 2029-30 — $167.3 billion higher than the $154.4 billion former prime minister Justin Trudeau was projected to spend during the same period, according to the report by the fiscally conservative think-tank.
The study says that will increase the total federal debt to a projected $2.9 trillion in 2029-30 or 79% of GDP.
In addition to running higher deficits, the Fraser Institute report says the Carney government plans to increase spending by $67.6 billion over five years compared to the Trudeau government’s projections — $47.8 billion more for new programs and $19.8 billion more for servicing the debt.
Carney vowed ‘different approach’ to spending
This despite expecting slower total annual revenue growth from 2024-25 to 2029-30 of 14.2% or $72.3 billion, compared to 19.9% or $101.8 billion projected under Trudeau.
The study — “Comparing Federal Fiscal Plans: Is the Carney Government Truly Taking a Different Approach than its Predecessor? — is based on a comparison of the Trudeau government’s last fall economic statement or “mini-budget” in December 2024 and Carney’s first budget in November 2025.
“During the 2025 election, the Carney government promised to take a very different approach to federal finances than its predecessor,” said study co-author Jake Fuss, noting Carney criticized Trudeau for “spending too much.”
“But based on his first budget, spending is higher and deficits are double what even Trudeau planned to spend, which substantially worsens the state of federal finances.”
Spending ‘inappropriately’ shifted?
The study is also critical of how Carney’s budget divides government spending into operational spending — the cost of running the government — and capital spending on new infrastructure, while projecting a balanced operating budget by 2028-29.
While this is sensible in theory, the Fraser Institute study notes, the Parliamentary Budget Office has reported that 30% or $94 billion of the capital spending proposed in Carney’s budget isn’t, in fact, capital spending, but increased operating spending that may or may not lead to the creation of new assets.
“Simply put, nearly a third of the Carney government’s planned capital investments should not be considered as such and instead represent operating spending or tax credits that have been inappropriately shifted over to the capital side of the budget,” the Fraser Institute report says.
“Correcting this miscalculation shows that the Carney government is set to fall short of its commitment to balance operating spending against revenues.”
Study acknowledges economic challenges
The Fraser report acknowledges the Carney government has different priorities compared to the Trudeau government — such as boosting Canada’s spending on defence to 2% of GDP this year — and that its budget is aimed at accelerating $1 trillion in new total investments, while Trudeau’s main goal which was to redistribute income.
It also notes Trudeau’s last fall economic statement was written more than a year before Donald Trump became U.S. president and launched his tariff war, making it likely the Trudeau government would have increased projected spending and deficits had he stayed on to fight last year’s election.
torontosun.com
Combined deficits from 2025-26 to 2029-30 will total $321.7 billion, compared to $154.4 billion projected by Trudeau
Author of the article:Lorrie Goldstein
Published Mar 17, 2026 • Last updated 1 hour ago • 3 minute read
Interim parliamentary budget officer Jason Jacques told senators that Budget 2025 changed his mind on Canada's financial sustainability
Prime Minister Mark Carney holds up a copy of the budget as he and Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne make their way to the House of Commons for the tabling of the federal budget on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. Photo by Justin Tang /THE CANADIAN PRESS
Prime Minister Mark Carney plans to spend more and run deficits more than twice as large over the next five years compared to those planned by the previous Liberal government, according to a new study by the Fraser Institute.
As a result, Carney’s combined deficits are projected to total $321.7 billion from 2025-26 to 2029-30 — $167.3 billion higher than the $154.4 billion former prime minister Justin Trudeau was projected to spend during the same period, according to the report by the fiscally conservative think-tank.
The study says that will increase the total federal debt to a projected $2.9 trillion in 2029-30 or 79% of GDP.
In addition to running higher deficits, the Fraser Institute report says the Carney government plans to increase spending by $67.6 billion over five years compared to the Trudeau government’s projections — $47.8 billion more for new programs and $19.8 billion more for servicing the debt.
Carney vowed ‘different approach’ to spending
This despite expecting slower total annual revenue growth from 2024-25 to 2029-30 of 14.2% or $72.3 billion, compared to 19.9% or $101.8 billion projected under Trudeau.
The study — “Comparing Federal Fiscal Plans: Is the Carney Government Truly Taking a Different Approach than its Predecessor? — is based on a comparison of the Trudeau government’s last fall economic statement or “mini-budget” in December 2024 and Carney’s first budget in November 2025.
“During the 2025 election, the Carney government promised to take a very different approach to federal finances than its predecessor,” said study co-author Jake Fuss, noting Carney criticized Trudeau for “spending too much.”
“But based on his first budget, spending is higher and deficits are double what even Trudeau planned to spend, which substantially worsens the state of federal finances.”
Spending ‘inappropriately’ shifted?
The study is also critical of how Carney’s budget divides government spending into operational spending — the cost of running the government — and capital spending on new infrastructure, while projecting a balanced operating budget by 2028-29.
While this is sensible in theory, the Fraser Institute study notes, the Parliamentary Budget Office has reported that 30% or $94 billion of the capital spending proposed in Carney’s budget isn’t, in fact, capital spending, but increased operating spending that may or may not lead to the creation of new assets.
“Simply put, nearly a third of the Carney government’s planned capital investments should not be considered as such and instead represent operating spending or tax credits that have been inappropriately shifted over to the capital side of the budget,” the Fraser Institute report says.
“Correcting this miscalculation shows that the Carney government is set to fall short of its commitment to balance operating spending against revenues.”
Study acknowledges economic challenges
The Fraser report acknowledges the Carney government has different priorities compared to the Trudeau government — such as boosting Canada’s spending on defence to 2% of GDP this year — and that its budget is aimed at accelerating $1 trillion in new total investments, while Trudeau’s main goal which was to redistribute income.
It also notes Trudeau’s last fall economic statement was written more than a year before Donald Trump became U.S. president and launched his tariff war, making it likely the Trudeau government would have increased projected spending and deficits had he stayed on to fight last year’s election.
GOLDSTEIN: Study accuses Carney Liberals of 'substantially' worsening federal finances
Mark Carney’s combined deficits from 2025-26 to 2029-30 will total $321.7 billion, compared to the $154.4 billion Justin Trudeau planned.
They needed a study to figure it out ?Study accuses Carney Liberals of 'substantially' worsening federal finances
Combined deficits from 2025-26 to 2029-30 will total $321.7 billion, compared to $154.4 billion projected by Trudeau
Author of the article:Lorrie Goldstein
Published Mar 17, 2026 • Last updated 1 hour ago • 3 minute read
Interim parliamentary budget officer Jason Jacques told senators that Budget 2025 changed his mind on Canada's financial sustainability
Prime Minister Mark Carney holds up a copy of the budget as he and Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne make their way to the House of Commons for the tabling of the federal budget on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. Photo by Justin Tang /THE CANADIAN PRESS
Prime Minister Mark Carney plans to spend more and run deficits more than twice as large over the next five years compared to those planned by the previous Liberal government, according to a new study by the Fraser Institute.
As a result, Carney’s combined deficits are projected to total $321.7 billion from 2025-26 to 2029-30 — $167.3 billion higher than the $154.4 billion former prime minister Justin Trudeau was projected to spend during the same period, according to the report by the fiscally conservative think-tank.
The study says that will increase the total federal debt to a projected $2.9 trillion in 2029-30 or 79% of GDP.
In addition to running higher deficits, the Fraser Institute report says the Carney government plans to increase spending by $67.6 billion over five years compared to the Trudeau government’s projections — $47.8 billion more for new programs and $19.8 billion more for servicing the debt.
Carney vowed ‘different approach’ to spending
This despite expecting slower total annual revenue growth from 2024-25 to 2029-30 of 14.2% or $72.3 billion, compared to 19.9% or $101.8 billion projected under Trudeau.
The study — “Comparing Federal Fiscal Plans: Is the Carney Government Truly Taking a Different Approach than its Predecessor? — is based on a comparison of the Trudeau government’s last fall economic statement or “mini-budget” in December 2024 and Carney’s first budget in November 2025.
“During the 2025 election, the Carney government promised to take a very different approach to federal finances than its predecessor,” said study co-author Jake Fuss, noting Carney criticized Trudeau for “spending too much.”
“But based on his first budget, spending is higher and deficits are double what even Trudeau planned to spend, which substantially worsens the state of federal finances.”
Spending ‘inappropriately’ shifted?
The study is also critical of how Carney’s budget divides government spending into operational spending — the cost of running the government — and capital spending on new infrastructure, while projecting a balanced operating budget by 2028-29.
While this is sensible in theory, the Fraser Institute study notes, the Parliamentary Budget Office has reported that 30% or $94 billion of the capital spending proposed in Carney’s budget isn’t, in fact, capital spending, but increased operating spending that may or may not lead to the creation of new assets.
“Simply put, nearly a third of the Carney government’s planned capital investments should not be considered as such and instead represent operating spending or tax credits that have been inappropriately shifted over to the capital side of the budget,” the Fraser Institute report says.
“Correcting this miscalculation shows that the Carney government is set to fall short of its commitment to balance operating spending against revenues.”
Study acknowledges economic challenges
The Fraser report acknowledges the Carney government has different priorities compared to the Trudeau government — such as boosting Canada’s spending on defence to 2% of GDP this year — and that its budget is aimed at accelerating $1 trillion in new total investments, while Trudeau’s main goal which was to redistribute income.
It also notes Trudeau’s last fall economic statement was written more than a year before Donald Trump became U.S. president and launched his tariff war, making it likely the Trudeau government would have increased projected spending and deficits had he stayed on to fight last year’s election.
GOLDSTEIN: Study accuses Carney Liberals of 'substantially' worsening federal finances
Mark Carney’s combined deficits from 2025-26 to 2029-30 will total $321.7 billion, compared to the $154.4 billion Justin Trudeau planned.
Doug Ford urged to 'improve his management' of Ontario's debt
New Fraser Institute study released ahead of PC government unveiling this year’s budget on Thursday
Author of the article:Lorrie Goldstein
Published Mar 24, 2026 • Last updated 21 hours ago • 2 minute read
Ontario Premier Doug Ford
Ontario Premier Doug Ford attends a press conference following a First Ministers Meeting in Ottawa on Jan. 29, 2026. Photo by Blair Gable /Postmedia Network
Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s government increased the province’s net debt by $104 billion, or 32.2%, between 2018, the year it was first elected, and 2024, which is the latest data available, according to a new study by the Fraser Institute.
With the province set to release this year’s budget on Thursday, the fiscally conservative think-tank said Ontario’s net debt per person stood at $26,451 in 2024, down from an all-time high of $29,628 under the Ford government during the pandemic year of 2020.
“Ontario’s provincial debt has risen substantially in the last few decades and Premier Ford needs to improve his management of provincial finances to avoid burdening future Ontarians,” said Jake Fuss, co-author of the study, Ontario Premiers and Government Debt, 1980 to 2024.
Inflation, population growth helped reduce per capita debt load
The study noted that because inflation plus population growth increased by 37.9% in Ontario from 2018 to 2024, above the increase in net debt (total debt minus financial assets) of 32.2%, debt per person fell at an annual rate of $260.
But even with that, the study said the Ford government “maintains higher debt per person levels than any other Ontario premier, except Kathleen Wynne.”
During the entire study period from 1980 to 2024, the report said Ontario’s per person net debt adjusted for inflation rose by 410.7%, from $5,180 to $26,451, an increase of $21,271 per person.
“Since debt eventually has to be repaid, Ontarians will face higher taxes … to pay for the province’s debt burden,” said study co-author Grady Munro.
Bob Rae government tops debt list
During the study period, average annual per person net debt adjusted for inflation rose fastest under the Bob Rae NDP government from 1990-95 at $1,777.
That was followed by the Dalton McGuinty Liberal government from 2003-13 at $717; the Wynne Liberal government from 2013-18 at $475; the Bill Davis Progressive Conservative government from 1980-85 at $394; the Mike Harris Progressive Conservative government from 1995-2002 at $343; and the David Peterson Liberal government from 1985-90 at $159.
It decreased by $176 during the short-lived Ernie Eves Progressive Conservative government from 2002-03 and by $260 during the Ford Progressive Conservative government from 2018-24.
torontosun.com
New Fraser Institute study released ahead of PC government unveiling this year’s budget on Thursday
Author of the article:Lorrie Goldstein
Published Mar 24, 2026 • Last updated 21 hours ago • 2 minute read
Ontario Premier Doug Ford
Ontario Premier Doug Ford attends a press conference following a First Ministers Meeting in Ottawa on Jan. 29, 2026. Photo by Blair Gable /Postmedia Network
Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s government increased the province’s net debt by $104 billion, or 32.2%, between 2018, the year it was first elected, and 2024, which is the latest data available, according to a new study by the Fraser Institute.
With the province set to release this year’s budget on Thursday, the fiscally conservative think-tank said Ontario’s net debt per person stood at $26,451 in 2024, down from an all-time high of $29,628 under the Ford government during the pandemic year of 2020.
“Ontario’s provincial debt has risen substantially in the last few decades and Premier Ford needs to improve his management of provincial finances to avoid burdening future Ontarians,” said Jake Fuss, co-author of the study, Ontario Premiers and Government Debt, 1980 to 2024.
Inflation, population growth helped reduce per capita debt load
The study noted that because inflation plus population growth increased by 37.9% in Ontario from 2018 to 2024, above the increase in net debt (total debt minus financial assets) of 32.2%, debt per person fell at an annual rate of $260.
But even with that, the study said the Ford government “maintains higher debt per person levels than any other Ontario premier, except Kathleen Wynne.”
During the entire study period from 1980 to 2024, the report said Ontario’s per person net debt adjusted for inflation rose by 410.7%, from $5,180 to $26,451, an increase of $21,271 per person.
“Since debt eventually has to be repaid, Ontarians will face higher taxes … to pay for the province’s debt burden,” said study co-author Grady Munro.
Bob Rae government tops debt list
During the study period, average annual per person net debt adjusted for inflation rose fastest under the Bob Rae NDP government from 1990-95 at $1,777.
That was followed by the Dalton McGuinty Liberal government from 2003-13 at $717; the Wynne Liberal government from 2013-18 at $475; the Bill Davis Progressive Conservative government from 1980-85 at $394; the Mike Harris Progressive Conservative government from 1995-2002 at $343; and the David Peterson Liberal government from 1985-90 at $159.
It decreased by $176 during the short-lived Ernie Eves Progressive Conservative government from 2002-03 and by $260 during the Ford Progressive Conservative government from 2018-24.
GOLDSTEIN: Doug Ford urged to 'improve his management' of Ontario's debt
New Fraser Institute study released with the Progressive Conservative government set to unveil this year’s budget on Thursday. Read more.