Books, Big Ideas, Q&As

Q&A | The politics of pitching fiscal restraint and public service cuts with Sahir Khan

‘No magic math’: an expert in government finances addresses why cutting waste won’t fund election promises.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has promised to use artificial intelligence to make the federal public service more productive.The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Feature

BY PETER MAZEREEUW

March 26, 2025

Voters deserve “a far more honest discussion” about political parties' fiscal promises, and should be wary of politicians promising “pretend money” or “magical efficiency initiatives,” says Sahir Khan, a former assistant parliamentary budget officer.

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