Prime Minister Justin Trudeau yesterday outlined pre-election perks for taxpayers that open a budget hole worth $5 billion to $10 billion, figures show. The finance department declined comment on the impact on this year’s deficit that is already 17 percent over estimate.

“Everybody had to tighten their belts a little bit,” Trudeau told reporters. “Now we’re going to be able to give a tax break for all Canadians.”

“How does the government plan to pay for this?” asked a reporter. “Canada has the strongest balance sheet in the G7,” replied Trudeau.