Fed’s historic, forward-looking budget hinges on real partnership

With Budget 2021, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have put all their chips down on the proposition that more than $100-billion in strategic investments will set the stage for a 21st-century era of inclusive, sustainable Canadian prosperity.  

If they are right, concerns about eye-popping deficits and the doubling of the national debt on their watch will be assuaged. If they are wrong, Canada may find itself severely cash strapped and left behind as the global green economy continues to charge ahead. 

Despite the cost, Ottawa’s efforts to support Canadians through the trauma of the pandemic have been compassionate, smart, and forward looking. With the budget, Minister Freeland has calculated that the time has come to take a big swing at tackling longstanding social and economic challenges such as climate change, inequality, mental health, digital transformation, and infrastructure. We have no choice but to address these issues if we are going to “build back better” and thrive as a nation.

I am optimistic about the prospects for success.

Read the full column here.