Balanced 2015 Federal budget might be better politics than policy

"I'm pleased to announce that I will table the budget on Tuesday April 21, and it will be a balanced budget." - Finance Minister, Joe Oliver 

There you have it, your promise from finance minister Joe Oliver and the Conservative government.

Tomorrow's federal budget will be both balanced and flexible.... with the emphasis on "balanced." In fact, even as the country was waiting for the budget date itself to be announced, the government's and the Prime Minister's, emphasis has been on word - balanced. And you're likely to hear it a lot again tomorrow, amidst all the numbers and details.

Federal Budget 2015 - CBC News

There will be no deficit. This despite the slower economy and the drop in oil prices.

Of course, a balanced budget, especially in the run-up to an election, is good politics. But the question is, given the economic reality facing Canada and the world — Is a balanced budget good fiscal policy?

To discuss this we were joined by three people, two of whom have been in Joe Oliver's shoes, at least at the provincial level, writing budgets.

• Graham Steele is the former finance minister in the last NDP government in Nova Scotira. He was in Halfiax.
• Stockwell Day is a former finance minister, former President of the federal Treasury Board and former leader of the Canadian Alliance. He was in Vancouver.
• Jennifer Robson is assistant professor of political management at Carleton University in Ottawa. 
   

How important is a balanced federal budget to you? Do you think the government is wise to promise a balanced budget?

Our e-mail is [email protected]. You can always find us on Facebook, or on Twitter @TheCurrentCBC.

This segment was produced by Ottawa producer Tom Jokinen. 
 

Tune in to The Current Wednesday, the morning after the budget is tabled, we will be speaking with Finance Minister Joe Oliver.