The leader of the Federal Liberals, Michael Ignatieff, says, two years after they are elected, they will reduce the Federal deficit to one percent of GDP. Based on today’s deficit, that’s about $40 billion reduction. But I haven’t heard mention of his plans to do this. Isn’t it great to be in opposition? Promise anything; many people will believe, and millions will vote for you! Perhaps Michael Ignatieff knows he will sit in opposition for a while and the deficit will be around his target when (if) he is elected.
Charities’ Administrative Costs
My wife and I support several charities. Usually, in December of the previous year, to each charity, we issue monthly post dated cheques for the following year. Still, monthly, they bombard us with paper. Yearly we become more concerned about the volume of paper we get monthly
Vanishing Government Deficits
I am surprized that given the growing size of personal household debt, the Throne Speech had this statement: “Canadians live within their means and expect their government to do the same…” Hopefully, the government will aspire to do better than households! With household debt of $1.3 trillion, we are on the cusp of a major personal debt crisis.
Prolonged Low Interest Rates Fuelled Unprecedented Greed
Two of my favourite quotes are from Einstein: “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” And, “We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.” Canadian and US Governments are bent on proving Einstein wrong! Prolonged low interest rates fueled unprecedented greed by corporate executives and individuals, feeding off each other. Executives gambled with shareholders’ funds knowing there was no downside for them, but phenomenal upside.
More Effective Credit Card Rules in USA
New regulations in the USA, the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009, is bad news for banks reeling from housing bubble losses, and the recession. According to law firm Morrison & Foerster, these rules will cost banks $12 billion a year in lost revenue.