Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is urging Prime Minister Mark Carney to lower taxes and limit the federal deficit to $42 billion in the upcoming budget. However, signs point to the deficit surpassing this target, with projections suggesting it could reach nearly $70 billion for the fiscal year.
In a letter to the prime minister, Poilievre expressed concerns about the financial strain Canadians are facing, describing the country as one with empty bank accounts and fridges. He emphasized the need for tax cuts, including income and capital gains taxes, as well as pushing for the elimination of the industrial carbon tax and homebuilding taxes.
Critiquing the government’s economic policies, Poilievre urged action over rhetoric, accusing the Liberals of mirroring past promises without significant change. He highlighted the Conservatives’ stance on reducing the inflation tax and opposing the federal fuel standard, a key emission-reduction policy.
As Carney plans to increase defence spending to meet NATO targets, Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne is slated to present the federal budget on November 4. The anticipation builds as the minority Liberal government seeks support for its budget, with potential consequences for the Carney administration’s stability.
Poilievre’s party, the Conservatives, is open to collaboration on shared objectives while proposing alternative solutions. Meanwhile, the Bloc Québécois has outlined its demands, including increased payments for Quebecers to offset carbon rebates and enhanced support for seniors and healthcare.
Interim NDP leader Don Davies emphasized the importance of increased spending on healthcare and affordable housing in discussions with Carney, highlighting a desire for projects that generate unionized jobs. Despite differing priorities, there is a collective sentiment against an austerity budget and a reluctance for an election at this time.