Poilievre defends Conservative platform’s economic projections - The Globe and Mail

Poilievre Defends Conservative Economic Platform

Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre defended his party's economic platform, which projects $34 billion in new spending and $75 billion in tax cuts, offset by $56 billion in spending reductions and $21 billion in increased tax revenue. The revenue projections rely on factors such as new housing construction, natural resource projects, and a crackdown on tax evasion.

Concerns and Criticisms

This platform has faced criticism amid warnings from the Bank of Canada and economists about a potential recession due to the ongoing trade war with the U.S. Poilievre's projections include $20 billion in revenue from retaliatory tariffs on US goods in 2025-26, a figure questioned by some.

Liberal leader Mark Carney criticized the Conservative platform as relying on "phantom" numbers.

Poilievre's Response

Poilievre maintained that campaigning on economic growth is essential, particularly given the current economic climate under the Liberal government. He argued that continuing with Liberal policies would be reckless. He also deflected questions about when he would balance the budget, attributing the deficit to the Liberals.

Key Points

• Conservatives project a deficit of $14.1 billion in 2028-29.
• Liberals project deficits of $62.3 billion and $59.9 billion in the next two fiscal years.
• The platform's revenue projections depend on significant economic growth and increased tax revenue.