I basically agree with Tom Brodbeck and Greg Weston in that this budget is a disaster. The Conservative budget has exploded program spending by $14 billion. Many people voted Conservative to get away from exactly this kind of fiscal irresponsibility.

Evidence of the Conservative's 180 degree turn is clear in the Status of Women department. In fall Stephen Harper took grief from all sides when the decision was made to cut $5 million in funding for the Status of Women. That $5 million has been re-instated, and just to make sure there are no hurt feelings, the new budget also includes an additional $20 million over the next two years for the Status of Women.

It's not just us libertarian small-government types that disapprove either. The provinces don't seem to be overly appreciative of the new equalization formula. Newfoundland's Premier Danny Williams claims that "What they've done today is basically and completely shafted us." Other people who are speaking unkindly about the budget are Saskatchewan Premier Lorne Calvert, BC Premier Gordon Campbell, and Calgary Mayor Dave Bronconnier.

But this may all be according to Harper's plan, as the Bloc Quebcois is the only party who will vote to pass this budget, and thus prop up the Harper government. This is essentially what what has the Premiers seething, since they view the budget as taking from the West and doling out to Quebec. Having it passed by the Bloc only suggests that the argument has merit.

Labels: Conservative Party, Danny Williams, politics, Stephen Harper