Dave and Wheatsheaf have already pointed out a couple of the problems with the Cons' latest campaign gimmick. But let's note as well just how completely out to lunch are the Cons are in trying to pretend there's anything resembling an economic basis for a tax credit linked to home purchases.
Harper's sole attempt to pretend that the policy is anything but a bribe to potential voters is to mention the remote possibility of a boost to the construction industry. But that speculation doesn't hold up to even the slightest bit of scrutiny.
After all, what percentage of first-time Canadian home buyers can afford to build their own home or buy new, rather than buying one which is already built? And what percentage of those would see a maximum of a $750 tax credit as the difference between building and not building?
That's the sum total of any boost which the construction industry could possibly see. And all for a price tag of $200 million per year.
Which isn't to say that this particular waste of money particularly stands out compared to some of the Cons' previous efforts. But it does highlight the fact that we're currently stuck with a government which is far enough out of touch with reality to argue that a non-existent boost to one of the few industries which doesn't need the help is worth blowing an amount of money which could otherwise be used to train the doctors Canada needs. And the sheer absurdity of that same party trying to claim the mantle of responsible financial management should be setting off alarm bells for anybody who sees the function of government as including more than paying voters off to keep itself in power.
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