OTTAWA--An Alternative Economic Update released today shows that between the 1997 election and fiscal 2001, the Liberals will have spent only 2 per cent of the fiscal dividend on social investment, compared to 98 per cent on tax cuts and deficit reduction.
This runs counter to pre-1997 election promises to spend 50 per cent of the fiscal dividend on social programs.
The coalition releasing the report, entitled "Reality Check: An Alternative Economic Update," says the Liberals have a lot to make up for.
Alternative budgets
OTTAWA--The federal government could allocate at least $10 billion per year to new spending priorities in each of the next two fiscal years, on top of additional monies required for core EI benefits and extra military and security costs, and still balance its budget. This is the conclusion of an economic and fiscal analysis published today by the Alternative Federal Budget Project in the run-up to next week's federal budget.
Winnipeg - Manitobans will lose public services they value if the government does not halt the erosion of its revenue base. The 2002-03 Alternative Provincial Budget, prepared by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives-Manitoba (CCPA-MB), addresses this issue in a sustainable, progressive way. The APB is a responsible, realistic budget that improves public services and measures to ensure long-term economic stability.
Manitoba's NDP government has not reversed the neglect of the poorest, most vulnerable Manitobans that was begun under the Filmon government. Money that could have been used to increase equality in the province has instead gone toward income tax cuts and unnecessary accelerated debt repayment.
The 2003-04 Manitoba Alternative Provincial Budget (APB), released today by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives-Manitoba, demonstates that a fairer, greener, fiscally responsible approach is possible in Manitoba.
Since the Mike Harris Government was elected in 1995, Ontarians have become used to Orwellian excesses in the titles for Government documents.
But the title of this year's Ontario Budget, "Responsible Choices" may set a new standard for doublespeak.
"The Mike Harris Government has its budget priorities all wrong", the Ontario Alternative Budget says.
"Instead of pouring more and more money into pointless tax cuts, attacking public education and undermining medicare, we should addressing the large and growing gap between the need for public services in Ontario and what the Harris Government is actually delivering."
The 2001-2 Alternative Budget sets out a detailed plan to invest over $10 billion in the renewal of public services.