Back to the Home Front in Canada

n Episode 51, we circle back to Canada and focus on some of the key issues impacting our beautiful country.  After a quick discussion on the apparent de-escalation of hostilities between Iran and Israel, which Frank is hopeful is permanent, we spend most of the podcast on budget related matters.  Frank discusses the government's calculus in choosing to increase inclusion rates on capital gains over a windfall tax on food or energy companies, and then applauds the government's decision to appoint Stephen Poloz to work with Canadian pension funds on investment opportunities domestically.  He then breaks down the budget's $8.5 billion dollar commitment to housing and its increase in defense spending, a move that was greeted with applause by other NATO members, including the US.  He finishes the podcast lamenting the government's failed messaging on its carbon tax and rebate program.  On a positive note, Frank shows some in-season love to the Blue Jays for perhaps the first time in modern history. This podcast was recorded on April 22, 2024. Chapter Headings 0:52 - De-escalation in Middle East 8:22 - Ottawa Chooses Capital Gains over a Windfall Tax on Food or Energy 17:20 - Poloz on Pension Funds 25:00 - Canada Moving Closer to its 2% of GDP Target for Defense Spending 28:03 - Are We Spending Enough on Housing? 32:13 - The Failed Messaging for Canada's Carbon Tax and Rebate System