Among all recent and current Canadian prime ministers, François Legault ranks 8th in the management of provincial finances, according to a study by the Fraser Institute.
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It is the Premier of New Brunswick, Blaine Higgs, who occupies the first place in this ranking released Thursday morning by the independent think tank. Former Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister and Ontario Premier Doug Ford are also on the podium, in second and third place, respectively.
“The study ranks Canadian prime ministers (seven current and four former) according to three categories of fiscal policies: government spending, taxes, deficits and debts through fiscal year 2021-2022. [Ceux]who managed spending more prudently, balanced budgets and paid down debt, and reduced or maintained competitive, higher-ranked tax rates,” it explained.
François Legault finds himself penultimate (8th) with a score of 41.1 out of 100, just ahead of the minister of Saskatchewan, Scott Moe (40.8), and that of Newfoundland and Labrador, Andrew Furey (40, 0).
Last in spending
Mr. Legault notably ranked last of all Canadian prime ministers in terms of government spending (score of 0.9/100).
It was once again the Premier of New Brunswick who ranked first in terms of government spending, deficits and debt. He was the only premier to run a surplus and pay off the province’s debt for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Fraser Institute pointed out.
“All prime ministers, including Premier Legault, have room for improvement, and given the importance of sound fiscal policy, they must all seek to prioritize restraint in government spending, balanced budgets, reducing debt levels and establishing a more competitive provincial tax system,” Jake Fuss, associate director of tax studies at the Fraser Institute, said in a statement.