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One thing I have learned during my time as a member of the Official Opposition is that you must watch government extremely closely—because what they say and promise to do often differs greatly from what they actually do.

Here's a case in point. In my report last week, I discussed Prime Minister (PM) Carney's recent throne speech, which included this commitment: "day-to-day government spending" under the previous Liberal government grew by 9% each year. In the throne speech, the Liberals promised to introduce measures that will reduce this spending growth to under 2%.

As I noted last week, since 2015, no Liberal government has achieved its own fiscal targets.

Now, let's look at this week.

Since the Liberals have not yet tabled a formal budget, they are instead presenting the main estimates—a document that outlines each federal department and agency's planned spending for the upcoming fiscal year.

The main estimates released by PM Carney's Liberal government seek approval for total government spending of $486.9 billion for the fiscal year. This represents an 8.4% increase from the previous fiscal year—directly contradicting PM Carney's throne speech promise last week to "reduce this spending growth to under 2%."

In other words, PM Carney is now proposing to do exactly what he criticized the previous Liberal government for doing and promised not to do. Unsurprisingly, none of the opposition parties are impressed with this Liberal doublespeak, especially since PM Carney campaigned on a promise of "real change" from past Liberal practices.

In response, the Official Opposition proposed an amendment to the government's motion to endorse the throne speech (known as the "Reply to the Speech from the Throne"), calling for a spring budget. Since the Finance Department can prepare a budget within 14 days or less and given that the Liberal government is proposing another significant spending increase, it is reasonable to expect greater fiscal transparency through such a budget update.

To the surprise of few, the Liberals opposed this fiscal update amendment. However, what was surprising was that the Liberals lost the vote, meaning this non-binding amendment has passed.

In Question Period this week, I was given the opportunity to directly question PM Carney. I asked, "Will the minority Liberal government listen to the majority in this House and table a budget immediately?"

Unfortunately, like his predecessor PM Trudeau, PM Carney refused to provide a direct yes or no answer to this question.

My question this week: Are you concerned that PM Carney and the Liberals may disrespect the will of Parliament, given that this motion was approved by a clear majority of the House of Commons— including all three opposition parties?

You are welcome to join the discussion on my Facebook page. Alternatively, you can reach me [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or call toll-free at 1-800-665-8711.

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Dan Albas is the Member of Parliament-elect for the riding of Okanagan Lake West - South Kelowna. Dan's riding includes the communities of Kelowna (Mission, South Kelowna & East Kelowna within specific boundaries), West Kelowna, Peachland, Summerland.
You can reach Dan by calling 1-800-665-8711, emailing [email protected] or please visit: DanAlbasMP.ca
Our mailing address is:
Dan Albas MP
101-3731 Old Okanagan Hwy
West Kelowna, British Columbia V4T 0G7
Canada

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