Desjardins Finds Lack of Fiscal Transparency in Canada’s Budget Delay

Desjardins’ Key Findings

A report by Desjardins, which had been published on May 23, 2025, has issued caution over a lack of fiscal transparency by the Canadian Liberal government from its delays of the 2025 Budget until the fall. Because of the government’s failure to publish timely deficit forecasts and fiscal targets, Canada risks eroding its fiscal credibility. Increased spending and tax cuts, driven by broader economic pressures from U.S. policies, are the main drivers of concern. Desjardins projects federal deficits to be much larger than had previously been planned, estimating a cumulative deficit of a quarter trillion dollars over the next five years (2025-2030). In fact, it has been predicted that Canada will issue $600 billion in debt in 2025-2026, approaching levels that had been seen during the peak of the pandemic in 2020-2021 (Graph 3 of the Report). This lack of transparency and growing deficits could lead to a sovereign rating downgrade, impacting Canada’s standing in global markets.

Impact on Real Estate

Toronto and Vancouver have already faced significant price drops and cooling demand in their condo markets, with prices in the Greater Toronto Area down 16.5% and Greater Vancouver down 9% since their 2022 peaks, alongside sales declines of 30% and 20% year-over-year as of April 2025, respectively. 

Higher Interest Rates

Large-scale government borrowing to finance these deficits may further drive up interest rates by increasing credit demand, with the Bank of Canada potentially raising rates to curb inflation from heightened spending, which would further increase mortgage borrowing costs, intensifying pressure on these already strained markets. Additionally, a potential sovereign rating downgrade could raise borrowing costs for developers, slowing new housing projects and exacerbating supply shortages.

Outlook: A Deepening Crisis – Canada needs Confidence Restored Now

Without immediate transparency and the communication of a plan by Canada’s new Prime Minister Mark Carney, Canada’s fiscal mismanagement and the delayed Budget 2025 are poised to deepen the economic strain, likely pushing the real estate market into a prolonged downturn, as affordability worsens and global confidence in Canada’s financial stability erodes further.

Reference: Desjardins Economics (2025). Mixed Signals on the Budget Risk Eroding Canada’s Federal Fiscal Credibility

https://www.desjardins.com/qc/en/savings-investment/economic-studies/canada-federal-deficit-debt-23-may-2025.html

Additional Information: https://palaceplace.com/are-we-really-in-an-economic-crisis

E: LDALINDA@DALINDA.NET • TEL: 416-725-7170

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Palace Place, 1 Palace Pier Court, and Palace Pier, 2045 Lake Shore Boulevard West, in Humber Bay Shores.

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Luke Dalinda, Realtor. Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Brokerage.

View all current and past Palace Place listings for sale here.

Market Outlook: Now is the time to BUY

When Canadians realize that we are not in a full-scale trade war with the U.S., but rather facing manageable trade disputes that can be resolved through mediation, confidence in the economy will surge. This shift in perception is likely to drive a significant increase in home and condo prices. Now is the optimal time to buy real estate before the market heats up.

Source: https://palaceplace.com/are-we-really-in-an-economic-crisis

E: LDALINDA@DALINDA.NET • TEL: 416-725-7170

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Palace Place, 1 Palace Pier Court, and Palace Pier, 2045 Lake Shore Boulevard West, in Humber Bay Shores.

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View all current and past Palace Place listings for sale here.

Luke Dalinda, Realtor. Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Brokerage.

View all current and past Palace Place listings for sale here.

Are we really in an economic crisis?

UPDATED – May 17, 2025 – 9:54 AM

Update 2 – May 18, 2025 – 1:08 PM

One of the key factors distinguishing the Dalinda Team is our belief that, “Information is the key in turning uncertainty into opportunity”. We pride ourselves in providing our clients with market news at the speed of need, enabling them to make timely, informed decisions. In that regard, here is our latest perspective on the Canada-US “trade war”.

“With many counter-tariffs gone, it’s time for Ottawa to stop playing politics and start telling Canadians the truth — the tariff narrative no longer matches economic reality.”

In a National Post article published on May 15, 2025, wherein an Oxford Economics study had found that, in April 2025, during Canada’s election campaign, Prime Minister Mark Carney had quietly moved to eliminate most retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, a decision made on April 16 and effective from May 7, following his first official meeting with President Trump on May 6. This had reversed the previous “dollar-for-dollar” tariff policy set by Justin Trudeau, though some tariffs, including those on orange juice, coffee, alcohol, and certain machinery, have remained. 

https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/canadas-new-tariffs-on-u-s-drop-to-nearly-zero-with-exemptions-oxford-economics

Carney’s almost secretive actions, which had not been made in a public announcement during the campaign nor have they been announced at any time since, had been intended to ease economic pressures. Why the lack of transparency?

https://gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2025/2025-05-07/html/sor-dors122-eng.html

American Actions 

There were two key points from the April 2, 2025 White House Reciprocal Tariff Announcement.

  1. Canada was not on the list for reciprocal tariffs. As per the Whitehouse fact sheet, Canada was exempt. https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/04/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-declares-national-emergency-to-increase-our-competitive-edge-protect-our-sovereignty-and-strengthen-our-national-and-economic-security/
  2. USMCA compliant goods will also remain at 0%. What is USMCA compliant you may ask? USMCA-compliant goods are products meeting the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement’s rules of origin, qualifying for tariff benefits when traded between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Example: A car built in Ontario, Canada, with 75% of its parts sourced from Canada or the U.S. Non-compliant goods would be those made in China and shipped through Canada.

Canada is not for sale: Doug Ford’s misrepresentation

Doug Ford has falsely claimed that Donald Trump has offered to buy Canada. No such offer has ever been made. While Trump has expressed openness to Canada becoming the 51st state, he has never proposed purchasing it. Ford’s baseless assertion, tied to his “Canada is not for sale” merchandise sales, has shifted focus from critical tariff negotiations.

Again, some Canadian retaliatory tariffs remain in place, including on specific food items such as orange juice, alcohol, and coffee. Some American tariffs remain in place too, but nothing to substantiate our economic death spiral, as evidenced across numerous sectors.

Are we really in a trade war, or are we just in need of mediation over some trade issues?

Why is a false narrative being pushed upon us that, as Mark Carney had said on X on May 11, 2025, “We are in the biggest crisis of our lifetime”?

(Source: https://x.com/markjcarney/status/1921642068255904001?s=46&t=j-eN3GsLw6wYrkA55zhdGg)

Our Federal Government has just announced that there will be no Federal Budget for 2025, denying Canadians the the ability to scrutinize the use of public funds, undermining transparency and accountability.

“I still don’t like this one bit. Canadians have a right to know the state of the government’s finances—like how bad are they now” – Derek Holt, Vice President and Head of Capital Markets Economics at Scotiabank

In these challenging times, Sellers and Buyers are looking for confidence and hope, which we submit can only come from truth.

When Canadians realize that we are not in a full-scale trade war with the U.S., but rather facing manageable trade disputes that can be resolved through mediation, confidence in the economy will surge. This shift in perception is likely to drive a significant increase in home and condo prices. Now is the optimal time to buy real estate before the market heats up.

Luke Dalinda

UPDATE:

I question whether The Bank of Canada’s Financial Stability Report 2025, released on May 8, 2025, would have been so dark had the BoC known about Carney’s tariff reversal actions of April 16 and effective May 7, 2025? April 16 was also the same day that the BoC had decided not to decrease rates further.

Update 2 – May 18, 2025 – 1:08 PM

After immense pressure, Prime Minister Carney has agreed to deliver a Federal Budget this fall.

In response, Pierre Poilievre has said, “A so-called budget to be tabled in the fall when half the budget year is over. In what world does this make sense?”

E: LDALINDA@DALINDA.NET • TEL: 416-725-7170

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Palace Place, 1 Palace Pier Court, and Palace Pier, 2045 Lake Shore Boulevard West, in Humber Bay Shores.

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View all current and past Palace Place listings for sale here.

Luke Dalinda, Realtor. Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Brokerage.

View all current and past Palace Place listings for sale here.

Our Mission

“The only way for honest people to elevate their lives is through their homes and their home equity, a sacred symbol of their labor, security, and hope for their children. This belief is what drives us to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients.”

  • Luke Dalinda

E: LDALINDA@DALINDA.NET • TEL: 416-725-7170

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Palace Place, 1 Palace Pier Court, and Palace Pier, 2045 Lake Shore Boulevard West, in Humber Bay Shores.

Follow @LukeDalinda on Instagram!

View all current and past Palace Place listings for sale here.

Luke Dalinda, Realtor. Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Brokerage.

View all current and past Palace Place listings for sale here.

Canada Must Wake Up and ACT NOW!

The Bank of Canada’s Financial Stability Report 2025, released yesterday, May 8, 2025, warns that a prolonged trade war could trigger severe financial risks, including asset fire sales, market dysfunction in core funding markets, and the need for emergency liquidity measures. These disruptions could hit Canadian households hard, especially with 60% of mortgage holders facing renewals in 2025-26, many at higher interest rates. Banks may tighten lending, and some households could struggle to make debt payments, potentially leading to rising defaults under severe stress.

While other countries move quickly to secure U.S. trade deals, Canada remains complacent. 

As Eric Trump has recently posted on X, “I wouldn’t want to be the last country that tries to negotiate a trade deal with @realDonaldTrump. The first to negotiate will win – the last will absolutely lose. I have seen this movie my entire life…”

Read more:  

[Financial Stability Report 2025](https://www.bankofcanada.ca/2025/05/financial-stability-report-2025/)  

[Opening Statement](https://www.bankofcanada.ca/2025/05/opening-statement-20250508/)

E: LDALINDA@DALINDA.NET • TEL: 416-725-7170

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Palace Place, 1 Palace Pier Court, and Palace Pier, 2045 Lake Shore Boulevard West, in Humber Bay Shores.

Follow @LukeDalinda on Instagram!

View all current and past Palace Place listings for sale here.

Luke Dalinda, Realtor. Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Brokerage.

View all current and past Palace Place listings for sale here.

Why I support Pierre

I have listened to many of your opinions. Now it is time for my own. This is why I support @pierrepoilievremp His message, values, and beliefs have never changed, and this proves it! Canada needs change NOW!

E: LDALINDA@DALINDA.NET • TEL: 416-725-7170

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Palace Place, 1 Palace Pier Court, and Palace Pier, 2045 Lake Shore Boulevard West, in Humber Bay Shores.

Follow @LukeDalinda on Instagram!

View all current and past Palace Place listings for sale here.

Luke Dalinda, Realtor. Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Brokerage.

View all current and past Palace Place listings for sale here.

Bank of Canada holds policy rate at 2.75%.

Today, April 16, 2025, the Bank of Canada has announced that it is holding rates at 2.75%.

This announcement could signal an end to rate cuts, which have been cut seven consecutive times.

Condo buyers should consider locking in mortgage rates now before potential increases occur due to ongoing uncertainty in the financial markets.

Because of what we call “herd mentality”, it typically takes 1.5 weeks for the buyer market to react to rate announcements.

The best rates that we have seen so far:

3 year fixed at 4.14% (Increased from 4.09% in March 2025)

5 year variable at 4.25%

The next scheduled date for announcing the overnight rate target is June 4, 2025.

E: LDALINDA@DALINDA.NET • TEL: 416-725-7170

Be sure that you SUBSCRIBE to this blog to be the first to know of new listings even before they hit MLS! Stay tuned. The Subscribe link is to the left of this post.

Palace Place, 1 Palace Pier Court, and Palace Pier, 2045 Lake Shore Boulevard West, in Humber Bay Shores.

Follow @LukeDalinda on Instagram!

View all current and past Palace Place listings for sale here.

Luke Dalinda, Realtor. Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Brokerage.

View all current and past Palace Place listings for sale here.

Spread the GOOD NEWS: Key takeaways from the April 2, 2025 reciprocal tariffs announcement – UPDATED

Canada’s biased media is continuing to incite fear over tariffs in an effort to control the outcome of the upcoming Canadian election. The media ought to be reporting the good news from the April 2, 2025 announcement, so let’s hope that the word gets out.

  1. Canada was not on the list for reciprocal tariffs. As per the Whitehouse fact sheet, Canada was exempt. https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/04/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-declares-national-emergency-to-increase-our-competitive-edge-protect-our-sovereignty-and-strengthen-our-national-and-economic-security/
  2. USMCA compliant goods will also remain at 0%. What is USMCA compliant you may ask? USMCA-compliant goods are products meeting the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement’s rules of origin, qualifying for tariff benefits when traded between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Example: A car built in Ontario, Canada, with 75% of its parts sourced from Canada or the U.S. Non-compliant goods would be those made in China and shipped through Canada.
  3. In a symbolic gesture only, the US Senate votes to block Canadian tariffs to rebuke Trump’s trade agenda. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-us-senators-vote-to-block-trumps-canadian-tariffs-in-stinging-but/

This news bodes well for Canada, giving great hope at a quicker recovery for the economy and the real estate market if we do not fall prey to the doom and gloom being perpetuated by Canadian media.

Canada needs to get on the fentanyl issue as identified by the RCMP to end all threats of further actions by the USA against Canada.

Be sure that you SUBSCRIBE to this blog to be the first to know of new listings even before they hit MLS! Stay tuned. The Subscribe link is to the left of this post.

Palace Place, 1 Palace Pier Court, and Palace Pier, 2045 Lake Shore Boulevard West, in Humber Bay Shores.

Follow @LukeDalinda on Instagram!

View all current and past Palace Place listings for sale here.

E: LDALINDA@DALINDA.NET • TEL: 416-725-7170

Luke Dalinda, Realtor. Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Brokerage.

BREAKING NEWS: US Senate votes to block tariffs on Canada

The win is largely symbolic because it’s unlikely to have any practical effect in Congress.”

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-us-senators-vote-to-block-trumps-canadian-tariffs-in-stinging-but

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Palace Place, 1 Palace Pier Court, and Palace Pier, 2045 Lake Shore Boulevard West, in Humber Bay Shores.

Follow @LukeDalinda on Instagram!

View all current and past Palace Place listings for sale here.

E: LDALINDA@DALINDA.NET • TEL: 416-725-7170

Luke Dalinda, Realtor. Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Brokerage.

Trump Announces Liberation Day Tariffs, but Canada is not on the list?

As Trump announces his Liberation Day Reciprocal Tariffs, we can only wonder if it is a good thing or a bad thing that Canada is not on the list?

UPDATED:

Canada is exempt from today’s reciprocal tariff announcement, White House fact sheet states.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/04/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-declares-national-emergency-to-increase-our-competitive-edge-protect-our-sovereignty-and-strengthen-our-national-and-economic-security/

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Palace Place, 1 Palace Pier Court, and Palace Pier, 2045 Lake Shore Boulevard West, in Humber Bay Shores.

Follow @LukeDalinda on Instagram!

View all current and past Palace Place listings for sale here.

E: LDALINDA@DALINDA.NET • TEL: 416-725-7170

Luke Dalinda, Realtor. Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Brokerage.

Bank of Canada reduces policy rate by 25 basis points to 2.75%.

Today, the Bank of Canada has announced its seventh consecutive policy rate drop to 2.75%.

Condo buyers, who have remained on the sidelines for all of 2024, should take great comfort from this announcement, as it signals the time to buy. Prices will ultimately increase as the cycle of sales starts again. Unfortunately, many current buyers still lack the confidence to act given the turmoil, challenges, and uncertainty of the past year.

Because of what we call “herd mentality”, it typically takes 1.5 weeks for the buyer market to react to rate announcements. This news bodes very well for Palace Place going forward, and it demonstrates that the time to buy is now as prices should increase as activity increases.

Best rates that we have seen so far:

3 year fixed at 4.09%

5 year variable at 4.25%

The next scheduled date for announcing the overnight rate target is April 16, 2025.

E: LDALINDA@DALINDA.NET • TEL: 416-725-7170

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Palace Place, 1 Palace Pier Court, and Palace Pier, 2045 Lake Shore Boulevard West, in Humber Bay Shores.

Follow @LukeDalinda on Instagram!

View all current and past Palace Place listings for sale here.

Luke Dalinda, Realtor. Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Brokerage.

View all current and past Palace Place listings for sale here.

How to save the Canadian economy – Why are we not talking about this in Canada?!?

Elon Musk explaining how to make life more affordable in the USA while Canada continues its deep sleep.

UPDATED: February 21, 2025 at 11:11 AM

Palace Place

It does not matter where good ideas come from. Good ideas solve problems. If we take the example of our American neighbours and focus on the core causes of high interest rates, we can take significant actions to make life more affordable for all Canadians.

In a recent interview with Fox News, Elon Musk has said:

“If we address the massive deficit spending, the sort of the waste in the government then we can actually address inflation. So provided the economy grows faster than the money supply, which means (when) you stop the government overspending and the waste and the output of real, useful goods and services exceeds the increase in the money supply, you have no inflation, and you also drop the interest payments that people pay. Because if the government keeps too high. Yes. The reason the interest payments are so high is because the national debt keeps increasing. So the government is competing for to sell debt with, with the private citizens. This drives up the interest rate. So if you have a if you have a if you cut back on the deficit, you actually have an amazing situation for people because you get you get rid of inflation and you drop the interest rates. And that means people’s mortgage payments go down, the credit card payments go down, the car payments go down, the student loans go down, everything their their life becomes more affordable and their standard of living improves.”

These are the core questions that must be asked in Canada, yet no one is talking about them. The media does not ask the questions, and the politicians remain obsessed on woke agendas.

When I had first been elected as President of Palace Place, we took immediate, meaningful actions against wasteful spending. Such collective efforts have led to one of the highest reserve funds in Toronto, past budgets of an unprecedented 4 consecutive years of 0% fee increases, which have since been followed by below inflation increases, numerous energy efficiencies, saving Palace Place in excess of $3-million, well negotiated cable and Internet agreements, proactive maintenance, and a recent property valuation of $1,168 per square foot. 

Why can’t our government do this? No one is even talking about it, while we witness over 400 personal bankruptcies per day in this country. It is absolutely mind boggling.

As a longtime Palace Place owner puts it, “When money is available at a cheap rate and more money is printed, the only thing that becomes visible is top-line growth. However, this growth is sustained only until the source of cheap money is exhausted.”

Consider just this single comparison example of overgrown government bureaucracy with our American neighbours:

IRS total employees – 79,000
American population – 342,000,000 (approx)

CRA total employees – 60,000
Canadian population – 39,000,000 (approx)

What will it take for Canada to wake up?

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Palace Place, 1 Palace Pier Court, and Palace Pier, 2045 Lake Shore Boulevard West, in Humber Bay Shores.

Follow @LukeDalinda on Instagram!

View all current and past Palace Place listings for sale here.

E: LDALINDA@DALINDA.NET • TEL: 416-725-7170

Luke Dalinda, Realtor. Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Brokerage.

View all current and past Palace Place listings for sale here.