FACT CHECK: Harper ducks accountability for his failed economic record

August 23, 2015

OTTAWA – Stephen Harper is blaming everyone but himself for his dismal economic management.

“…we are in an economy that is very challenged and very risky and unstable. None of these problems originate in this country and Canadians understand that…”
(Stephen Harper, Press conference in Clarence-Rockland, ON, August 23, 2015)

Oh really? Canada is the only G7 country in recession – the second recession on Mr. Harper’s watch – because of reckless Conservative mismanagement.

  • Harper has the worst economic growth record of any Prime Minister since R.B Bennett in the 1930’s.
  • Harper’s policies benefit the wealthy while letting the middle class fall behind.
  • Harper ignored warnings about housing bubbles and banking weaknesses in the United States.
  • Harper overspent by three times the rate of inflation.
  • Harper eliminated all previous federal contingency reserves and prudence factors.
  • Harper has run eight consecutive deficits, and despite claims to the contrary, will run another one this year.

Just as in his PMO scandal with Mike Duffy, Stephen Harper is not telling Canadians the truth. He cannot be trusted.