Skip to main content

Featured

Avi Lewis Wins Federal NDP Leadership in First-Ballot Victory

Avi Lewis, who was proclaimed as the new leader of the NDP, speaks at the party convention in Winnipeg Sunday, March 29, 2026. Filmmaker and longtime activist Avi Lewis has been elected the new leader of the federal New Democratic Party , securing a decisive first‑ballot win with nearly 40,000 votes out of roughly 71,000 cast . His victory marks a significant shift for the party as grassroots members push for a more unapologetically left‑wing direction.  Lewis’s win signals renewed momentum for the NDP after a difficult federal election year. His campaign championed bold proposals—including expanding public ownership in key sectors—and emphasized rebuilding the party from the ground up. He inherits a party reduced to six seats in the House of Commons and facing internal tensions over energy policy, particularly from Alberta and Saskatchewan NDP leaders who warn his positions could harm workers in their provinces.  In his victory speech at the Winnipeg convention, Lewis call...

article

Navigating the U.S. Debt Tightrope: Balancing Growth and Sustainability

 

Even if the U.S. avoids worst-case scenarios, its ballooning debt and the cost of servicing it could eventually slow economic growth and make the burden unsustainable. According to a former International Monetary Fund (IMF) official, the U.S. must tread carefully to maintain a delicate balance.

Here are the key points:

  1. Debt Levels: Debt held by the public is already around 100% of GDP, and projections indicate it will climb to 116% in 2034, 139% in 2044, and 166% in 2054. While these levels may seem alarming, Japan’s experience shows that an advanced economy can manage substantial debt when borrowing in its own currency.

  2. Advantages and Risks: The U.S. benefits from dollar dominance, deep financial markets, and Federal Reserve support for Treasuries. However, institutional breakdowns remain a threat. For instance, concerns exist about U.S. debt default under certain scenarios.

  3. Interest Obligations: As the debt ratio rises, meeting interest obligations could force the federal government to cut discretionary spending. This reduction could negatively impact economic growth. The U.S. must balance interest payments and maturing Treasury bonds.

  4. Challenges Ahead: Rising bond yields and the outlook for higher interest rates pose challenges. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen acknowledges this difficulty in controlling deficits and debt expenses.

  5. Trade-Offs: To sustain debt, the U.S. faces trade-offs. Borrowing more to pay off debt could exacerbate the burden, while cutting spending on critical initiatives might hinder growth.

In summary, the U.S. walks a tightrope between debt sustainability and economic growth. Striking the right balance is crucial for a prosperous future.

Comments