Poilievre offers two hours of House time Monday for Freeland to present fall economic statement

In absence of Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister confirming a date to present a fall economic statement, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is offering to give up two hours of scheduled opposition time next Monday to 'tell us how much she's lost control of the nation's finances.'

In absence of Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister confirming a date to present a fall economic statement, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is offering to give up two hours of scheduled opposition time next Monday to "tell us how much she's lost control of the nation's finances."

Criticizing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's economic management, Poilievre noted the government had yet to schedule the updated look at the federal government’s spending, revenues and budgetary balance, which is usually tabled before December.

"What's she hiding? Is she hiding that Trudeau lost control of the deficit this year, just like every year?" Poilievre said to reporters on Parliament Hill Wednesday ahead of a meeting with his caucus. "Common Sense Conservatives are calling for the finance minister to introduce a fall update to indicate whether she's keeping her promise to cap the deficit at $40 billion." 

Poilievre said his party would be willing to "cooperate" to allow Freeland to introduce the fall fiscal picture in the House on Monday, a day the Speaker has already designated an opposition day where the Conservatives will otherwise be advancing and forcing a debate on a non-confidence motion. 

"The challenge is over to Chrystia Freeland and Justin Trudeau. Stand on your feet Monday at 4 p.m. – we'll clear the deck so you can do it – and tell us how badly you've lost control of the nation's finances and the inflation and taxes Canadians pay as a result," Poilievre said.

Freeland has yet to comment on the offer, though several of her cabinet colleagues dismissed the push as a diversion, and suggested the Official Opposition may have ulterior motives.

"I always take what he says with a grain of salt," said Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne. "There's always a hidden agenda."