Trudeau may be hoping budget will turn focus away from ‘trainwreck’ trip to India
Posted February 26, 2018 8:05 am.
Last Updated February 26, 2018 8:07 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
OTTAWA (NEWS 1130) – The prime minister wrapped up his troubled trip to India this weekend, and now that he’s home he may be hoping tomorrow’s budget will shift the media spotlight from scandals to investment.
Justin Trudeau’s trip has been described as a “trainwreck” and a “disaster,” as he faced criticisms for his outfits and outrage over an attempted murderer being invited to receptions.
Maclean’s senior writer Paul Wells thinks the trip was tone deaf. “It seemed to be a sort of a school play about ancient India, rather than a trip today by a prime minister who is trying to get important things done.”
Wells says even some devoted Liberals he spoke with are expressing concern. “They don’t think he’s been the best ambassador for the Liberal party, let alone for the country.”
So, the fiscal plan couldn’t come at a better time.
“Budgets usually help governments in this country and there’s not a lot of unpopular ways to spend $200 billion,” says Wells.
He points out the budget is expected to have a large focus on gender equity. “Increasing work opportunities and economic opportunities for women… when those are well done, those tend to be popular.”
The government is expected to have some other major initiatives in the budget, including enhancing parental leave, investments in science and research, and possible steps to reduce poverty.
