Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canadians will have to be prepared to make 'sacrifices,' ahead of the delivery of his first budget.Spencer Colby/The Canadian Press
Budget day
Re “That time again” (Letters, Nov. 3): I find it interesting that a letter-writer quotes then-finance minister Michael Wilson from the 1989 budget, given that budgets throughout the Mulroney years were amongst the highest in history as a percentage of GDP.
Randy Tait Toronto
Re “Is Canada a serious country? The coming budget will tell us” (Report on Business, Nov. 3): One has to be astonished by the complete disregard for the times, when some advocate for more government-funded dental and drug plans.
We are under financial assault by our largest trading partner and have committed to increasing our military spending while running record budget deficits. So where will money to increase the welfare state come from?
These things should be done in good times, not at times like these.
Brian Johnston Toronto
Only one thing feels certain about this “generational” budget: The next generation will be tasked with paying it off.
Edward Sager Cochrane, Alta.
Many Canadians seem delusional.
They want lower prices, better health care, efficient government services and greater independence from the United States, and at the same time lower taxes and government debt.
Unfortunately, the private sector is generally unwilling to initiate spending on the massive infrastructure improvements Canada needs to ensure a long-term successful economy without depending on the U.S., leaving government to kickstart these projects.
Mark Carney seems to get this; those who don’t should get their heads out of the sand and get on board.
Nick Beveridge Burlington, Ont.
Re “The art of no deal: Canada’s only winning move is not to play” (Oct. 29): In an economic sense, to “repair the roof” should mean investing in homes and communities to save money for Canadians and create local jobs today.
Programs to invest in home insulation, heat pumps, solar panels and local electricity distribution all reduce carbon emissions and demand for expensive fossil fuel and nuclear energy megaprojects. Even expedited under new federal laws, major projects won’t improve affordability for years, if ever.
Repairing the roof is a path to a more productive, competitive economy. The budget could support economic roof repair.
But more likely, tens of billions of dollars will be spent subsidizing megaprojects, and the rains will continue to pour in on Canadian households.
Stephen Hazell Ottawa
Re “Public service braces for billions in spending cuts ahead of Tuesday’s budget” (Nov. 1): How does the increase in public service employees over the last 10 years relate to overall population growth?
How many employees did we have per person each year? How has that ratio changed over time?
It would also be interesting to see the number of contractors and consultants over time, although I am sure it is nearly impossible to gather accurate data as consultancy fees tend to get buried in obscure budget lines.
It would serve each ministry well to examine the levels of service they have provided over time. How many new programs were added and how many abandoned? Are they meeting the needs of Canadians?
Can part of the cost savings come from hiring fewer contractors? Can processes be simplified and more cost-effective?
One hopes the decision-makers will not just slash jobs without reviewing how best to deliver the services Canadian needs, in the most effective manner.
D.A. Matheson Vernon, B.C.
Re “Should Carney, the businessman, really run Canada like a business?” (Report on Business, Oct. 30): Old school, the business of business was mere profitability, but shareholders and customers increasingly exercise ethical oversight through purchasing choices.
The business of government was and still is to serve the public good: protecting rights, ensuring stability and maintaining access to services, especially for the most vulnerable. But most voters know government can’t distribute what it hasn’t got.
These citizens recognize that a sound economy is bedrock to good government. Creative destruction should apply to streamlining bloated government services when new priorities demand it and new technologies enable it.
Other countries are being run like businesses. But unlike countries whose governments appear to be primarily concerned with maximizing profits for the few, I find Mark Carney’s approach nuanced, alert to competing interests in both the short and long term and Value(s)-driven.
At this hinge point in history, he is holding the door open for Canada on the world stage.
Ellen Anderson Summerside, PEI
Talk first
Re “Trump says Carney apologized for Ontario anti-tariff ad, but talks still off” (Nov. 1): It’s puzzling why some people assume Donald Trump would keep matters confidential, only to feel embarrassed when they aren’t the ones revealing actions taken behind closed doors. Do they genuinely believe he values discretion?
Mark Carney should have informed Canadians before Mr. Trump disclosed details. Even the so-called apology failed to serve Canada’s interests.
This regular type of situation underscores the importance of proactive communication and transparency in international relations. Waiting for others to control the narrative can lead to reputational damage and missed opportunities to maintain trust and credibility.
Anas Khan Beaumont, Alta.
Go Jays
Re “The Blue Jays had a Team Canada-like role, united the country during the World Series” (Nov. 3): From the view of a 78-year-old granny who’s never been a baseball fan until now, the Blue Jays are big winners in my book.
They won based on the adage, in life as in sports, that “it’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how you play the game.” Beyond their personal skills and aptitudes, the Jays won on many levels: inspiring fandom not seen in decades; fostering the respect and admiration of a nation; being a role model of sportsmanship, camaraderie and cohesiveness. Furthermore, who knows how many bromances, romances or plain ol’ friendships were forged during this riveting series.
On a practical note, through ticket and merchandise sales, the franchise coffers have been augmented for future efforts, while local businesses have received much-needed boosts.
To quote Steve Jobs: “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” To the Jays: great work.
Joan Hotson St. Catharines, Ont.
Three months ago, a traumatic fall meant my wife had to have a full reverse right-shoulder replacement; she is right-handed.
For the last 13 weeks, she has been vainly trying to wrestle, wrangle and cajole postop advice, care and support from our overtaxed health care system. The result: Just get in line.
Although she was not a baseball fan, in this period of pain, frustration and anxiety, the Blue Jays’ historic run provided moments of joy and exhilaration to the point that she was even checking box scores.
Thanks to Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Ernie Clement, Trey Yesavage and everyone on the team. They gave light where there was none.
John Sudlow Oakville, Ont.
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