How did Stephen Harper’s government approach taxes and the national debt?

Stephen Harper’s government prioritized "strong economic management" as one of its core governing pillars, with a consistent focus on lowering taxes and reducing the national debt.1

Approach to Taxation and Debt

• Policy Goals: Throughout his time as leader of the opposition and as prime minister, Harper consistently advocated for tax relief and the elimination of deficits. His administration emphasized these principles as part of a broader commitment to sound financial management.231
• Implementation: The government’s agenda included corporate tax cuts as a key component of its economic strategy. These fiscal priorities were central to the Conservative platform during the 2006 election, which saw the party successfully campaign on the need to eliminate deficits and reduce the overall tax burden on Canadians.13
• Accountability: The government’s management of these fiscal policies was occasionally a point of political contention. In 2011, the minority government was found in contempt of Parliament, partly due to its failure to provide sufficient budgetary information regarding the costs of various proposals, including corporate tax cuts.1