Harper is at it again

(left-click to enlarge pics)
As reported in the Star today, it is very important to have government auditors, to ensure mistruths and exaggerations (we would call them 'lies' ... but MPs are not allowed to use the word) are corrected.

The problem is Kevin Page (parliamentary budget officer) will probably not have the job much longer.

Here is another example of miscommunication by the Conservatives.

For 2009, the Conservatives indicated 7.5% unemployment (approx 160,000 jobs lost). Page says 8.7% (approx 530,000 jobs lost).

For 2010, the Conservatives indicated 7.7% unemployment (converts to about 200,000 jobs lost) and Page says 8.7% and could go as high as 9.4% (8.7% is approx 700,000 jobs lost). This is a significant difference in lost jobs!

As you can see in the attached, there is significant difference between Page's budget projections and those of Flaherty.

A short while ago, the Conservatives (the name is a misnomer) predicted a $33B deficit for 2009-10. which would improve to a $700M surplus by 2013-14.

Page is indicating a $49B deficit for 2009-10 and a $17B DEFICIT by 2013-14 !

The Conservatives site indicates Harper is a leader of competence and vision! If he is, he should consider using Page's figures from now on ... or change the name of their party and drop the competence and vision reference from their site.

The near future doesn't appear to be a good time for market investments.