Reduction Target: Equalization Transfers

Social Transfers Dept: It commits the Conservative government to eliminating the federal deficit in 2014-15, one year earlier than planned. For most governments, advancing a deficit-reduction target would be agony. It will hurt here as well, according to Globe And Mail. The challenge is particularly acute because the Conservatives are committed to preserving or increasing spending over the coming years on health and social transfers, equalization transfers, funding for native Canadians, at least some funding for cities, and defence. They know that any major cuts in direct services to people, provinces or the military could lead to a sharp and permanent loss in popular support and budget 2011 version 2.0 is not, as Finance Minister Jim Flaherty suggests, a simple rehashing of the March 22 budget. There is one very large change. “Is it challenging to do? It’s challenging to do,” Finance Minister Jim Flaherty acknowledged at his news conference on Monday. “Is it doable? Absolutely doable.” As reported in the news.
@t finance minister jim flaherty, globe and mail