OTTAWA – A new report by the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) paints a dark picture for Canada’s economic future under Stephen Harper’s short-sighted approach to governing the country, Liberal Finance Critic John McCallum said today.

“This report says everything that Stephen Harper doesn’t want to talk about and doesn’t want Canadians thinking about because it highlights the inadequacy of his governing mentality,” said Mr. McCallum. “Canada’s long-term challenges show how Mr. Harper’s day-to-day tactics will fail us in the long run, because our government cares only about the next election at the expense of a secure future.”

“Michael Ignatieff and the Liberal Party know that Canadians want a secure and prosperous future, which is why we’re charting a course for our country’s future direction at next month’s Canada at 150 conference in Montreal.”

The PBO report shows that an aging population and shrinking workforce will contribute to a rising level of government debt over the course of the century, resulting in servicing fees that will eventually consume roughly a quarter of Canada’s Gross Domestic Product.

During the two month prorogation of Parliament, Liberal Members of Parliament have been in Ottawa tackling many of the issues that the PBO report raises including improving Canada’s productivity, retirement income security, the rising costs of healthcare and health prevention and promotion.

“While Stephen Harper has been enjoying his two-month prorogation vacation, Michael Ignatieff and his team have been working to make sure that Canada is ready to face the challenges of tomorrow,” said McCallum. “Canadians can already see the differences between Mr. Harper’s divisive, short-term partisanship and Mr. Ignatieff’s vision for long-term prosperity.”