In a fit of Keynesian pique sure to make wackier economists like Paul Krugman proud, Tom Mulcair of the New Democratic Party of Canada has claimed that the robust economy in Canada, during a worldwide recession, is a disease.
Mulcair claims because the economic gains are boosting the value of the Canadian dollar, it is hurting Canada's manufacturing sector — a phenomenon dubbed the "Dutch disease." Yes, if poor people can buy more stuff but the boom is coming from energy, it must be killed.
More traditional liberals have to be giggling at his shooting himself in the metaphorical foot, but Canadian conservatives are not; "I am wondering when the leader of the Opposition will apologize to western Canadians for suggesting the strength of the western Canadian economy is a disease on Canada," Canadian Heritage Minister James Mooretold the House of Commons. "He should be ashamed of himself for attacking the West, dividing our country and not even having visited the places (the oilsands) he is attacking. It is unconscionable for someone who wants to be the prime minister of the country to be so utterly irresponsible."
I was curious about the NDP so I went to their registration page - they seem to assume you are a pretty narrow demographic if you are signing up, which explains his patronizing tone toward people outside metropolitan eastern Canada:
Tories unleash attack dogs over Mulcair's 'Dutch disease' thesis By Joan Bryden, The Canadian Press
