Jeffrey Simpson: Fulfill those campaign promises now. Bill us later
There cannot be many groups in Canada unhappy about Tuesday’s federal budget, if happiness is defined by receiving new or increased government spending.
The Trudeau Liberals showered money everywhere, as they promised they would do during the election campaign in the name of short-term economic stimulus and long-term growth. And there were many additional promises yet to be announced and funded, such as an innovation strategy, meeting every recommendation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, carbon pricing (that will cost money) and negotiating a new health-care deal with the provinces.
