Ottawa has a ‘deficit issue that has to be dealt with,’ Liberal says

Canada has a “ deficit issue that needs to be dealt with,” government House leader Steven MacKinnon says as Parliament resumes after summer break.

He told reporters Monday that there are some key issues that likely will be addressed as Prime Minister Mark Carney prepares to release his federal budget this fall.

“We have a deficit issue that has to be dealt with. Mr. Carney has made it very, very clear that all ministers and all departments must participate in making the government more efficient,” MacKinnon said, while being asked by reporters what the deficit in the upcoming budget could look like.

“I don’t want to characterize the deficit other than what I’ve already said — it is substantial and needs to be dealt with and is being dealt with, and with incredible seriousness by th