The Liberals are already facing heated pushback after Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne told reporters Canadians should not expect to see a budget put forward this year. Champagne, after leaving Prime Minister Mark Carney’s new cabinet meeting Wednesday, paused to talk to reporters, and was asked when his government plans to release its budget — which is usually made public in the spring, with a Fall Economic Statement provided later in the year to update the public on the government’s progress. The Liberals apparently plan to issue a Fall Economic Statement — without a budget. .Champagne says there are three orders of business for the Carney Liberals; first up, to follow through on a middle class tax cut proposed during the campaign, which he says is “a very significant step that will benefit 22 million Canadians” and “provide a family with two incomes up to $840 in benefits.”“This is very significant, and it sends a very strong and clear message to Canadians that we care, that we understand that one of the first concerns they have is about affordability,” he said, evading the question about the budget.“Step two, we’re going to have the Throne Speech, and there will be a Fall Economic Statement to follow.”A reporter asked when the Fall Economic Statement would be released.“In the fall,” replied Champagne dubiously.“I couldn’t be more clear about that.”The reporter, equally dubious, pointed out that the last government waited until December to release its Fall Economic Statement, to which Champagne had no response.Former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland was meant to introduce the Liberals’ Fall Economic Statement on December 16, 2024 — but she abruptly resigned the same morning..The Conservatives were quick to issue a statement on the Liberals’ failure to prioritize making a federal budget.Tory leader Pierre Poilievre pointed out one of Carney’s election slogans was "a plan beats no plan."“Conservatives wholeheartedly agree. That's why it is so unacceptable that, today, Carney confirmed that he, in fact, has no plan and the government will not table a budget,” wrote Poilievre.“Canadians were told that Mark Carney, the supposed serious economist, would bring competence and clarity. Instead, we’re getting delays and dysfunction."“Parliament has already been shut down for nearly half a year. Now, in the face of serious economic threats, the Liberals don’t intend to present a budget this year. There is no roadmap forward, no economic vision, and no willingness to lead."“This is not the leadership Mark Carney promised—it’s abandonment.".Canadian Taxpayers Federation Federal Director Franco Terrazzano was also quick to release a statement condemning the Carney Liberals for their irresponsible decision.“Failing to even present a budget is a huge crack in Prime Minister Mark Carney’s credibility,” said Terrazzano in a statement.“You can’t be credible with the finances if you can’t even bother to put together a budget.”“Canadians have real concerns about the state of our national finances and the Carney government is answering with a shrug.”“Taxpayers deserve to know the state of government finances and scrutinize government spending, so Carney owes Canadians a budget.”CTF notes Carney, according to his election platform, plans to add an extra $225 billion to the debt over the next four years, and compared his intentions to former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s plan to increase the debt by $131 billion over those years.The federation warns interest charges on the debt will cost taxpayers $54 billion this year.“How can you even be a financial wizard if you can't even put together a budget?” said Terrazzano in a video posted to X.
