The vision for Canada needs to include fiscal responsibility, something the Liberals have lacked

Pierre Poilievre said a 15 per cent tax cut for the middle class is just the beginning. Conservative tax policy will enable the middle class to once again have a vision, writes Jerry Klassen. Photo by CHRIS YOUNG/POOL/AFP via Getty Images/Postmedia files

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Helen Keller was once asked, “What could be worse than having no sight?” She replied, ”Having sight, but no vision.”

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An object in motion stays in motion until acted on by an alternative force. It’s a law in physics, but also applies to politics.

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The Liberals have often implemented or considered more taxes to pay for their policies. The carbon tax enhanced inflation, and it is not off the table. The Liberals wanted to increase the capital gains tax. Could the Liberals tax the sale of your primary residence in the quest for equality? Some believe so.

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But aside from taxes, many companies have left Canada under the Liberals. The Liberals also cancelled the vision for Northern Gateway, Energy East and other major energy and resource projects. This wiped out billions in investment and hundreds of jobs in the private sector.

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Ongoing deficits and reckless spending are the Liberal vision, which is the wrong vision. Deficits are future taxes.

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Liberal Leader Mark Carney’s plan for $130 billion in new spending means the country will run deficits until fiscal year 2028-2029. It’s government spending that contributed to inflation in the first place. This resulted in higher interest rates and made life unaffordable.

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Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem must be cringing at the thought of this budget. Under Carney’s leadership, expect interest rates to increase by two per cent to four per cent.

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The Conservatives, meanwhile, have promised to lower taxes for the middle class. Pierre Poilievre said a 15 per cent tax cut for the middle class is the beginning. Conservative tax policy will enable the middle class to once again have a vision.

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The world is changing rapidly. Canada signed free trade agreements under the Conservatives, but still needs a 10-to-20-year trade strategy with developing nations. The top 20 developing countries in the world are in the global south. This includes the Middle East, North Africa, Asia-Pacific and Sub-Saharan Africa.

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Last year, China announced zero tariffs on these developing countries in the global south, which cemented its position as the trade leader for these countries. Keep in mind that 70 per cent of Canadian exports to China come from the ground.

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On the flip side, the United States now has tariffs on one-third of the global economy and many poor nations of the world. These developing countries will need Canadian resources and Canadian technology.

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The Conservative vision on trade is the only vision that can counter the U.S. tariff strategy.

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The Conservative vision to create a “Canada First” National Energy Corridor will allow this country to be a world leader in energy and resource development. Eastern Canada needs energy security. The world needs Canadian rare earth minerals and other resources. This is Canada’s strength and needs to be the long-term vision.