David Macdonald

David Macdonald is a Senior Economist with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. He heads the Centre's Alternative Federal Budget project that takes a fresh look at how the federal government could build a better Canada. David is a frequent media commentator on national public policy issues.

Blog

Sep 27, 2016

Household debt is far too high -- and why it's going to go higher still

David Macdonald

When the National Balance Sheet came out this month, the focus was on the need for households to pay down that debt... somehow. But we need to look at the broader debt picture across all sectors.

Blog

Sep 1, 2016

Ten things to know about federal income support for low-income seniors in Canada

David Macdonald

Nick Falvo

Allan Moscovitch

There has been debate about the wisdom of the Trudeau government changing the age of eligibility for OAS from 67 back to 65. Here are 10 things to know about federal income support for seniors.

Blog

Jul 21, 2016

Three positive steps toward ending poverty in Canada

David Macdonald

It's 2016 and Canada is a long way from ending poverty, but three promising developments are about to lift almost half a million people above the poverty line.

Blog

Mar 23, 2016

And the medal goes to: Ranking Budget 2016

David Macdonald

Lockup over, what does the Liberal government's first budget tell us about its priorities, and how does it stack up to the 2016 Alternative Federal Budget?

Blog

Mar 22, 2016

Five reasons why the deficit should be bigger, not smaller

David Macdonald

Slow growth, income inequality, technical recessions and stagnant employment rates -- ignored by the last government under the illusion the economy would fix itself -- are not going away.

Blog

Mar 14, 2016

Alternative Federal Budget 2016: It's time to move on

Peter Bleyer

David Macdonald

Kate McInturff

The Alternative Federal Budget proves we can fight climate change and create jobs. It demonstrates we can raise the standard of living for everyone, not just for a wealthy few.

Blog

Nov 20, 2015

Don't panic: What the deficit means for Canada and the Liberals

David Macdonald

The Liberals not also promised in the election campaign to carry a deficit of no more than $10 billion -- but now the numbers don't add up. What can they do?

Photos

Oct 30, 2015

Ten progressive items Trudeau can deliver in his first 100 days

David Macdonald

Transition periods are a whirlwind of activity for any new government. That's why it's important to stay focused on the progressive policies that can be implemented rapidly.

Blog

Oct 28, 2015

Ten promises Justin Trudeau's Liberals could deliver in their first 100 days

David Macdonald

Transition periods are a whirlwind of activity for any new government. That's why it's important to stay focused on the progressive policies that can be implemented rapidly.

Blog

Oct 14, 2015

Making progress: Which party has the most progressive platform?

David Macdonald

All federal election platforms are finally out. With these documents in hand, we can finally do an in-depth analysis of what the different parties have on offer.

David Macdonald

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