1. Then, assume that you are the senior economic policy analyst for Finance Canada. Finance Canada prepares its annual budget through the year preceding its delivery in March (sometimes April) the following year. You need to brief your minister on the viability of the spending initiatives/promises (i.e. spending proposals by the Liberal government) of your choosing with respect to Canada's economic growth and debt and deficit levels. Use the article (opinion piece) below as a starting point/guide for additional research on the Liberal's spending plan. Ultimately, your briefing note will address the following question: Is the government absconding itself from prudent fiscal policy to pursue spending on progressive social programs?

2. Your briefing note is "For Information Only"; however, ensure that it has a well-developed "Key Considerations" section.

3. Develop your briefing note "Issue" after reading the article below.

4. Important note: As per the lecture on briefing notes (BNs), know your audience and what is important to them. Familiarize yourself with the department's mandate. Do not write BN in the manner you would an essay for experts in your field. Do not write as a journalist/reporter. Do not use the vernacular. Do not summarize the article - that is not the purpose of the BNs. Research the issues to inform your advice to the minister, and integrate your knowledge of economics (from this and all your other courses) into the BN. No references or citation in your BN, please!

5. Article link: https://nationalpost.com/opinion/here-comes-another-grim-fiscal-warning-liberals-seemready-to-ignore

(you must include: Issue, Background, Current Status, Key Considerations, Conclusion.)