This is one of at least 2 stories in commentary today,the other related to Japan,that reflect on almost 10 years of Harper "penny wise, pound foolish" behavior related to government.He & people like Tony Clement made tons of cuts which were invisible in their effect on the general public,but resulted in a failure to be able to effectively carry out important govt responsibilities w short&longterm impacts. Don't get me wrong, spending has to be constantly monitored to make sure it remains effective,but that has to be done intelligently.Harper's leadership had the overwhelming imperative of giving the appearance of fiscal competence by focusing on one driving number, the deficit,& trying in many cases, to make cuts whose effect was not immediately obvious to the average voter,but that did nonetheless have serious negative impacts, especially in the long term. It is a simplistic & irresponsible approach favored by Conservatives (Liberals tend to spend too much on peripheral causes)