Hub Podcasts Budget day has arrived—what are Canadians looking for?
Nov 4, 2025
David Coletto, CEO of Abacus Data, dives into Canadians' hopes for the federal budget, emphasizing a desire for reassurance over austerity. He highlights polling that shows citizens prefer gradual deficit reduction while protecting essential services. Howard Anglin, a former Deputy Chief of Staff, critiques the Supreme Court's reliance on hypothetical scenarios in its rulings, advocating for a focus on real facts. Lastly, journalist Kirk LaPointe reflects on the Blue Jays' postseason heartbreak, exploring its emotional impact on fans and the franchise.
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Calm Beats Austerity In Voter Mood
- Canadians prefer calm, steady fiscal management over dramatic austerity or big spending swings.
- Voters trust Mark Carney's image of measured competence to balance restraint with protection for vulnerable services.
Fiscal Empathy Influences Trust
- 'Fiscal empathy' matters: voters prefer leaders who can make hard choices without making them feel poorer.
- Portraying the deficit as an emergency can push anxious voters toward the steadier option.
Design A Reassuring, Simple Budget
- Meet voters where they are by offering credible cost control and targeted help for families.
- Emphasize discipline without complexity and avoid triumphal tone to maintain trust.