Jason Moscovitz reported for CBC TV on the deal that paved the way for more health care money. Economist James Loxley was on CBC TV to talk about it. Finance Minister Paul Martin introduces the first balanced budget in 29 years. The Canadian economy has continued to power ahead despite economic turmoil in Asia and Latin America.
Inflation is low, unemployment is down and tax revenues are filling up the government's coffers.
On Feb. 16 Paul Martin delivered the budget for the 1999-2000 fiscal year. It was his sixth budget, and the second straight with the government solidly in the black. The finance minister is a canny politician who deliberately underestimates his budget targets. He makes conservative economic assumptions and sets conservative fiscal goals- then beats them. In effect, the government hides the true strength of how well it's doing financially.