13 January 2006

Harper would cut $30 billion in programs and services

Go to the Conservative's fiscal plan.

Flip to the second last page.

Note the figures:

$6.8 billion in "re-allocation" and another $22.5 billion for "moderating spending" in government departments, agencies, and on grants and contributions.

That's almost $30 billion in program cuts that don't appear to be explained anywhere in the Conservative Plan.

Take a look at the Conservative Plan document itself and you might find a hint in the vague wording.

Economic development organizations like the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency will maintain their current funding levels.

Hmmm.

Maintain current levels.

That sounds like "freeze at current levels".

No increases.

With inflation, that means that in five years time, ACOA would actually have less money to spend on diversifying the economy in Atlantic Canada than it has now.

That's a program cut.

That's also a significant kick to the many successful efforts at economic development that have taken place since ACOA was created under Brian Mulroney.

But hey, Steve's gotta find $30 freakin' billion to cut from somewhere.