Federal Budget 2019: Lots more spending, nothing to improve competitiveness or productivity

March 20, 2019
Jock Finlayson

Highlights

  • Budget 2019 is a pre-election document that sprinkles new spending across numerous domains. As such, most of the benefits are directed towards households, workers and students.
  • While the Budget lacks any clear theme, housing and support for skills development and new training are prominent features of the document.
  • The Budget fiscal plan has the government running deficits over the next five years and signals no intention of returning to balance. The annual deficits, however, are manageable as they amount to less than 1% of GDP.
  • Unfortunately, the Budget is silent on improving Canada’s competitive position. It contained nothing to indicate the federal government is concerned about Canada’s waning competitive position.
  • The Canadian economy is projected to grow by 1.8% in 2019, down slightly from 2018’s 1.9% pace. However, in light of recent data showing the Canadian economy stalled at the end of 2018, risks to the growth outlook are squarely on the downside.

DOWNLOAD FULL REPORT

Become A BCBC Member

LEARN ABOUT MEMBERSHIP
BACK TO TOP    

ADDRESS

Business Council of British Columbia
1050 West Pender Street, Suite 960
Vancouver BC V6E 3S7

CONTACT INFORMATION

Telephone: 604-684-3384
Media Contact: 604-684-3384
Email: info@bcbc.com

© 2023 Business Council of BC. All rights Reserved.

linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram