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CANADA-ELECTION
Canada’s Trudeau says will grow deficit to fund vote pledges
MONTREAL, Sept 30, 2019 (AFP) – Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on
Sunday unveiled his financial policy ahead of elections next month, saying
that if he retains power he will run a larger deficit to pay for campaign
pledges.
Trudeau, leader of the Liberal Party, is locked in a close race to secure a
second term against the Conservatives, led by rookie Andrew Scheer.
According to Liberal Party projections, the Can$ 19.8 billion (US$14.9
billion, 13.1 billion euros) deficit for the current fiscal year would rise
to Can$ 27.4 billion next year before falling slightly over the following
three years.
“That is the responsible choice for Canadians because it has allowed us to
invest in people, in their communities, and in your future,” Trudeau said of
recent budget deficits.
“We also understand that it’s important to remain fiscally responsible, and
responsible about our investments.”
The Liberal Party plans extra public spending to fund tax cuts, combat
climate change and help the middle-class and students.
Ahead of the October 21 vote, Trudeau’s campaign has been rocked by three
separate images of him in blackface makeup dating back to when he was a
student and young teacher.
Some analysts suggest that the Liberals have recently yielded support among
younger voters — a key demographic that helped Trudeau, 47, sweep to power
in 2015 — to the fourth-placed Green Party.
BSS/AFP/MSY/0815 hr