In two days, Saskatchewan people had to absorb two budgets (although one of them is moot). Essentially, what we have here are two election platforms. Later, we will have two elections.
Manitobans will soon be in the same boat. Their budget comes down in April, followed by an October provincial election.
It’s going to be a busy year.
If it were not for the crucial concept called democracy, I might wonder why we are bothering with elections. Allow me to note here that prediction is a mug’s game, but you can call me Mug for today.
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Despite the federal wrangling over democratic issues, redacted documents, expensive fighter jets and the budget, it’s quite possible that we will end up with what we started with: a Conservative minority government.
This is not because people don’t care about democracy. It’s because they care about the economy more.
Despite the Harper government’s huge deficit, it is clear that Canada survived the recession better than any other country with the possible exception of Germany – and Germany has to pay for the fiscal ills of its European Union neighbours.
Who will beat Stephen Harper? The only real option in this politically fractured land is a coalition. The problem is that the Liberals and NDP would probably need the Bloc Quebecois to make it work, but that’s not politically palatable to many Canadians. A coalition could happen, but so could spring.
Agriculture did not appear to fare terribly well in the federal budget. Relatively small amounts were doled out for research and inspection. The next government will not rise or fall on these commitments.
Meanwhile, back in Regina, the Saskatchewan Party’s budget attracted a few criticisms – not enough money for affordable housing, for example – but overall the budget will serve them well come November, barring any big bumps in the road.
Being flush, the Sask Party government increased funding almost across the board – including agriculture. The ag budget increased $32 million to $418 million. Whether that’s enough, farmers will have to decide.
How much credit the Sask Party should take for the good times is up to voters to determine, but they’ve certainly managed to spread the money around.
My money is on the status quo, fed-e rally and provincially. That’s because it is, almost always, about the economy.
