the fiscal accomplishments here are largely the political legacy of the Liberal Party
This isn't the right place for a debate about Canadian politics, so I'll just say this and leave the topic here: There's considerable disagreement about whether the Chretien/Martin Liberal government was responsible for the country's strong fiscal situation or whether they merely reaped the benefits of the policies (e.g., NAFTA and GST) put in place by the preceeding Conservative administration.
Though I agree this isn't the venue to debate politics, I don't think there is anything wrong with pointing out the politics in the situation, as long as we are not arguing that one side is correct, and the other incorrect.
I think it would be irresponsible (and in some ways is on the part of Zakaria) to not include the impact of Canada's social infrastructure which acts as both a limit to growth, and is supportive in harsh times as these.
This isn't the right place for a debate about Canadian politics, so I'll just say this and leave the topic here: There's considerable disagreement about whether the Chretien/Martin Liberal government was responsible for the country's strong fiscal situation or whether they merely reaped the benefits of the policies (e.g., NAFTA and GST) put in place by the preceeding Conservative administration.