Re: 'Beware of the other shoe' (Editorial, March 5)

Just over a year ago, editors of The Spectator called for stimulus spending. Following the January 2009 budget, The Spectator proclaimed "Harper can stay," presumably since he had spent lavishly enough.

It is perplexing that into the planned second year of stimulus, The Spectator accuses the government of delaying tough decisions and neglecting working families and the environment. The budget document reveals something different.

Initiatives that facilitate businesses, encourage trade and strengthen the economy ultimately help everyone, working or not. Enhanced EI benefits and skills development are available to assist the unemployed. Millions are earmarked for carbon capture and storage, and a billion each for the clean energy fund and the green infrastructure fund. There is also a plan to clean up the Great Lakes.

The "massive deficit" is a predictable consequence of stimulus measures, yet in June 2009 opposition parties wanted "money out the door" faster.

Now the Liberals decry the deficit while the Bloc and the NDP call for more spending.

It takes a skilled, focused government to manage these disparate issues. The Conservatives offered a consultative, coherent plan that is a hallmark of good governance.