Trudeau Popularity - or not (various polling, etc.)

[Brad Sallows]

Regarding the notion that Harper's government might have focused too much on improving a debt position that was already solid, we could have used a lot more of that preceding the bulge of spending due to the COVID pandemic.

If crises requiring massive emergency spending (2008/2009, 2020/2021) come along every eight to twelve years, we ought to work to regain fiscal position after one and before the next one. In this, I am just repeating what I was saying and writing in the years after 2008/2009. Of course the policies most likely to keep the country productive and well-off will be unpopular because they will not often be policies that provide lots of entitlements or sinecures. But it's either that or the unpopularity governments experience when purchasing power slips or crashes.

 

[Halifax Tar]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1859583584299847717

 

[Fishbone Jones]

I'd bet singh could increase his support if he helped bring down the government right now. Something tells me his pension is more important to him though.

 

[ModlrMike]

The historical poll data is available at 338Canada. I note that in QC, both the Lib and Con parties are in a statistical tie. It will be interesting to see how this develops. If the Cons and BQ can continue to erode the vote share for the Libs, it could make the BQ the opposition.

 

[ModlrMike]

Regarding the notion that Harper's government might have focused too much on improving a debt position that was already solid, we could have used a lot more of that preceding the bulge of spending due to the COVID pandemic.

If crises requiring massive emergency spending (2008/2009, 2020/2021) come along every eight to twelve years, we ought to work to regain fiscal position after one and before the next one. In this, I am just repeating what I was saying and writing in the years after 2008/2009. Of course the policies most likely to keep the country productive and well-off will be unpopular because they will not often be policies that provide lots of entitlements or sinecures. But it's either that or the unpopularity governments experience when purchasing power slips or crashes.

Most economists would say "save in the good times so that you can spend in the bad". The problem is that folks don't treat government money as if it's theirs. It's hard to save when there is pressure to spend all the time. Perhaps if we unstrand our hydrocarbon reserves, we can generate enough income to act as a cushion for the next catastrophe.

 

[Remius]

I'd bet singh could increase his support if he helped bring down the government right now. Something tells me his pension is more important to him though.

That may be tempered by his ability and capability to actually wage a campaign, which if the financials are to be believed isn’t very good at this time even if he could get a bump.

 

[Rd651]

And ironically, Canada Post won't deliver the cheques

Trudeau announces GST holiday, cheques for Canadians​

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland make an affordability announcement north of Newmarket, Ont. Sources tell Radio-Canada and CBC News the government is planning a two-month GST break on some items for the holidays and will send $250 cheques to some Canadians in the spring.

https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.6570778

Liberal's version of a Black Friday deal...LOL

 

[Quirky]

Liberals: Our taxes don't make life more expensive.
Also Liberals: We're giving you a tax pause to make life more affordable.

 

[OldSolduer]

Liberal's version of a Black Friday deal...LOL

Talk about vote buying.

 

[Fishbone Jones]

Most economists would say "save in the good times so that you can spend in the bad". The problem is that folks don't treat government money as if it's theirs. It's hard to save when there is pressure to spend all the time. Perhaps if we unstrand our hydrocarbon reserves, we can generate enough income to act as a cushion for the next catastrophe.

Debt Mountain or Financial Freedom? Lessons from Norway's Oil Boom​

How Strategic Resource Management Could Transform America's Fiscal Future​

Debt Mountain or Financial Freedom? Lessons from Norway's Oil Boom

How Strategic Resource Management Could Transform America's Fiscal Future

thenetworthclub.substack.com

Might be something to revisit if we can get our shit together for a change.

 

[Fishbone Jones]

Talk about vote buying.

Now Canadians are waiting for the other shoe. When and how is he going to pull the rug out from under us? This government simply cannot be trusted without a healthy dose of skepticism.

 

[dapaterson]

Talk about vote buying.

He's copying Doug Ford.

Next up: renaming stadiums after notorious drug addicts.

 

[Furniture]

Trudeau to announce temporary GST relief on select items heading into holidays

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will announce a two-month GST relief on select items heading into holidays to address affordability issues, sources confirm to CTV News.

www.ctvnews.ca

He will cut GST, temporarily, because stuff is expensive, but won't 'axe the tax' on the very thing that's causing these high prices.

Brilliant.

If it was actually about affordability the cuts would be on things like tires, car maintenance, home renovations, and all clothing, not things like booze, toys, and restaurants.

It's a crass attempt to boost bad polling numbers to make the PM feel better over the holidays. Not considering what will happen when people have to pay 5% more for things again in March... Close to the budget, when he might be booted from office.

 

[The Bread Guy]

This is a clear indication of ever there was one, that Canada has ‘been told….’

Canada weighs cutting Mexico out of trade pact as Trump taps pro-tariff CEO for commerce secretary

The federal government is seeking to align itself with incoming Trump administration on his ‘tariff and trade agenda’

www.theglobeandmail.com

Note what one could initially take from Canada’s D/PM as entirely tone deaf to the existential threat of Chinese state-driven interference, is in reality Canada repeating the speaking note that America has given it. Canada deserves the hand up it’s ass forcing it to speak responsibly (other than being a pawn in the US divide and conquer strategy of international trade…)

The pressure isn't just from south of us, either ....

All premiers aligned on push for Canada to have bilateral trade deal with U.S.: Ford

The premiers are calling for a meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his officials to discuss the idea of bilateral negotiations.

kitchener.citynews.ca

On the GST/HST front, for the record, here's the list from the info-machine .....

...
Starting December 14, 2024, we’re giving a tax break to all Canadians. With a GST/HST exemption across the country, Canadians will be able to buy essentials like groceries, snacks, and kids clothing – all tax-free.

This new tax break will apply to:

• Prepared foods, including vegetable trays, pre-made meals and salads, and sandwiches.
• Restaurant meals, whether dine-in, takeout, or delivery.
• Snacks, including chips, candy, and granola bars.
• Beer, wine, cider, and pre-mixed alcoholic beverages below 7 per cent ABV.
• Children’s clothing and footwear, car seats, and diapers.
• Children’s toys, such as board games, dolls, and video game consoles.
• Books, print newspapers, and puzzles for all ages.
• Christmas trees.

This tax break is projected to last until February 15, 2025. By making essentially all food GST/HST free, this will deliver meaningful savings for Canadians, with real relief at the cash register ...

That is a bit of a bizarre list - unless someone was asking the question, "what do people buy a lot of just during the holidays?" as opposed to considerations like this ...

If it was actually about affordability the cuts would be on things like tires, car maintenance, home renovations, and all clothing ...