On the cusp of another recession, discussion arose as to whether Canada should maintain a balanced budget....

When I compare Canada to the US, I use a rule of thumb:  They are about 10x larger than us, we are 10% in size compared with them.  This is true when comparing sizes for example.  When it came to deficits  Canada went a different path on the heels of the 2008 recession.  The US opened the taps to public spending, Canada was frugal.  Consequently, the US has 90 trillion in unfunded liabilities, and 18 trillion in direct debt.  That normally would translate into a national debt at 1.8 trillion.  Complain as you may, Mr Harper has demonstrated good stewardship of the Canadian purse that is perhaps the one thing he has done well.  A little recession is normal.  But by far preferable to a recession with 1.8 trillion in debt.