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OTTAWA — Many non-partisans have a simple voting strategy — they use their own experience to guide them. If they have fared well over the previous four years, they go on voting for the party they voted for before; if not, they switch.

That’s why a report released by the Department of Finance last week was an important benchmark for the Liberal government. The report — modestly entitled “Real Progress for Canada’s Middle Class” — suggests the Liberal plan is working.

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“While there is more work to be done, Canadians are better off today thanks to these investments,” said Bill Morneau, the finance minister.

His claim is that economic growth is strong, and the benefits are widespread; that middle class Canadians have more money to save and invest; that half a million jobs have been created since late 2015; and, that the share of working-age Canadians who are employed is close to a record high.

The report put the best gloss on the Liberal government’s three-year record.