Thomas Walkom: The curious economics of Harper’s stimulus spending (the Toronto Star)

[Parliamentary budget officer Kevin Page] surveyed those who received $4 billion in federal money from the largest of Ottawa’s four infrastructure programs and asked whether that money created jobs.

"About 42 per cent of respondents said it had no effect on employment. More surprisingly, 21 per cent said the stimulus spending had destroyed jobs...

"...if one-fifth of those at the sharp end found that the government money they spent reduced employment in their communities, alarm bells should ring.

"Perhaps it was the wrong kind of spending. Perhaps it wasn’t enough. Whatever the problem, something is clearly not right."

Full article: Walkom: The curious economics of Harper’s stimulus spending.