He said that despite the epidemic and unfavorable international economic conditions, the 4 percent GDP growth rate was a testament to the extraordinary performance of Prime Minister and his economic team.
Massive spending was targeted towards housing, healthcare and infrastructure, while funds were also allocated to addressing child poverty and climate change.
This would not only help curb tobacco use in the country but would also contribute to generating more revenues that can be used for promoting public health.
"I want to avoid an election," said Jagmeet Singh, leader of the fourth-ranked New Democrats. "With the third (Covid) wave hitting hard," that would be "irresponsible," he said.
"A decline in the deficit could send a message that we are returning to normality, so we don't let the debt level rise and we target a stable growth path," he said.