The Canadian Taxpayers Federation has given the provincial finance minister a “C” for his actions to date on spending, debt and tax relief.
That’s the highest grade among all the Atlantic Canadian finance ministers, and is considerably better than the “F” given to former finance minister Siobhan Coady last year.
CTF Atlantic Director Devin Drover says Minister Pardy “delivered meaningful tax cuts this year,” but, “can’t get top marks until he stops racking up debt,” and spending more than a billion dollars a year on debt interest payments.
Pardy has received an A+ on tax relief, a B for spending, but an F for the cost of servicing the debt.
Minister Pardy meanwhile says he’s encouraged by “independent recognition” of the “progress” government is making.
Pardy acknowledges there’s more work yet to do, particularly in addressing the province’s long-standing debt, he and government are “focused on building as stronger, more sustainable fiscal future.”
