The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge Raj and Russo on Budget Day - What Happens Now?
Nov 4, 2025
Althea Raj, a political reporter for the Toronto Star, and Rob Russo, an economic commentator at The Economist, dive deep into the significance of the recent budget. They discuss its potential impact on the minority government and the likelihood of an election if it's voted down. Both share insights on strategies of the opposition parties and the budget's hope for economic growth. Tensions in federal-provincial relations and the implications of trade negotiations with the U.S. also come into focus, making for a rich conversation about Canada’s fiscal future.
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Budget Balances Cuts With Big Promises
- Rob Russo suggests the budget mixes deep cuts with big spending and will be framed as pulling "woke weeds."
- He compares it to 1994–95 and Paul Martin/Jim Flaherty–style fiscal moves, warning of staged austerity.
Budget Must Offer Hope, Not Just Cuts
- Althea Raj notes the budget will emphasize sacrifice and operational deficit reduction across three years.
- Rob Russo adds it must offer hope to workers and young people to gain support.
Watch How Parties Pick Their Narrative
- Althea Raj warns parties will parse the budget to find supportable elements and vote accordingly.
- She urges listeners to watch which provisions each party latches onto as their narrative.
