Politicians in the current government are often caught appeasing deficit weary Canadians by assuring us that they paid down loads of debt before turning on the taps of "stimulus".  Well how true is this claim?  Bunk.  At least according to you know, facts. 

Below is a calculation by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, spelling out exactly how much the government has paid down in debt since taking office in 2006 versus how much it has racked up in debt already.  Also included is how much the government is expect to rack up by 2014-15, if one can believe the claim that we will emerge from deficit without either spending cuts or tax increases.  

What the numbers say is clear:

• For every dollar paid down in debt, the government has added more than two dollars, so far.
• For every dollar paid down in debt, the government is expected to add 6 1/2 dollars before getting back into black, if you can believe the projections.

So the next time politicians make that claim to calm your fears, ask them for the numbers.