Mr. Speaker, I am looking at the GDP growth projections presented in budget 2016 and budget 2017. The GDP real growth projection in 2016 was 1.4%; in budget 2017, it is 1.3%. In budget 2016, it was 2.2%; in budget 2017 it is 1.9%. In budget 2016, it was 2.2%; in budget 2017, it is 2.0%, and, the trend continues.
From budget 2016 to budget 2017, we have seen a massive increase in the projected deficit that the current government has presented, yet the government is presenting a decreased projected forecast in real GDP growth.
Can the finance minister stand in the House and explain to the many of us who may not be economists—although I am—exactly what the GDP growth calculation is, exactly how GDP is calculated, and then what part of that calculation is failing due to this budget deficit? Can he also explain to Canadians why, if the Liberals are going to stand up and say that this deficit is supposed to create jobs and economic growth, they are showing a decreased GDP growth here?