But while he spent a portion of his morning press conference criticizing Conservative leader Stephen Harper’s handling of the economy, the tax cut is remarkably similar to one Harper announced in April.
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Declaring that the Conservatives have failed soldiers, Trudeau promised that a Liberal government would unveil a package of reforms immediately upon taking office.
He also described NDP Leader Tom Mulcair’s economic vision as “incoherent”.
“We are focused on growing the economy and getting back into balance, but like I say, how long that will take will depend very much on Mr. Harper and the mess he’s left us behind, along with the global situation”.
“Mr. Harper has taken an approach, he’s following in the footsteps of the Paul Martin Liberals and it’s the same mistake”, Mulcair said.
Stephen Harper is in Drummondville, Que. where he is repeating his message that his government is the best bet in uncertain economic times. “Now is the time to grow the economy, to invest in the middle class and those working hard to join it”.
Mulcair, who began a day of campaigning in southwestern Ontario with a stop in Hamilton, insisted that an NDP government wouldn’t need to run a deficit to finance its promises and would bring in a balanced budget next year.
“Our first budget will be a balanced budget”, Mulcair said, adding “governing is about priorities”. She was the leader’s handpicked candidate and the last thing he needed as his party tries to finds its bearings in Quebec was what would have been cast as a nomination debacle. “That would be demonstrably bad for Canadians’ long-term prospects”. Harper’s Conservatives – seeking a rare fourth consecutive mandate – have steered the country out of the worst global turmoil, but have posted a string of budget deficits since the 2008 financial crisis. “And that is what the other guys are planning”, Harper said during a campaign event in Montreal.
The debate’s organizers say they will instead hold one-on-one interviews with the leaders to discuss issues important to women – an alternative Mulcair said he supports, because it allows for a complete discussion. “All he needs is one chair and a mirror”, Trudeau told a news conference as he introduced a team of advisers that includes former finance minister Ralph Goodale and Martin, who was also prime minister between 2003 and 2006.
Trudeau cited the casualties of Canada’s Afghan mission -158 killed – and noted that the number of suicides in the armed forces has been even higher at 170 since 2004.
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A poll released Tuesday by Ottawa-based Nanos Research shows the Conservatives and Liberals tied at 30 percent support nationally, with the NDP close behind at 29 percent.
