Paul Martin commentary
The federal deficit is smaller than expected but it is not the result of prudent management on the part of the feds: it’s a by-product of the middle east war and more revenue from higher oil prices.
The federal economic update yesterday had a lot of bullet points. One notable one was the plan for a Sovereign Wealth Fund but it is far too early to know how this will work and whether it is a good idea or just political wallpaper to hide the cracks.
Another key point was a reduction in CPP premiums – good news but again, not because of anything the government did. This is just a by-product of a strong stock market.And then there was a solid and pointed effort on recruiting young people into the trades. This one seems noteworthy and the details are much clearer with both apprentices and employers to see some added benefits. It will also ease the pain for technical schools which have been feeling the financial pinch of reduced foreign student enrollments prompting layoffs at many instituti
