Liberals face criticism over summer spending announcements
Liberal government spending faces scrutiny as critics question timing, funding, costs See what economists say about Ottawa's $40B plan and why the details matter
Critics and economists are questioning the Liberal government's summer spending announcements, saying the federal plans lack clear details on timing, funding sources and longterm costs.
Desjardins deputy chief economist Randall Bartlett estimated that Ottawa has committed to more than $40 billion in new spending over the next decade since the spring economic update in April, and said the information released so far does not always make it clear how the money will be shared among the federal government, provinces, Crown corporations and the private sector.
Finance Minister FrançoisPhilippe Champagne's office defended the government's reporting and said Ottawa has been transparent through its fiscal documents, while Conservative finance critic Michael Chong argued the new commitments should be fully tabled in Parliament for review. The dispute comes as federal officials say they are moving quickly in response to global economic uncertainty.