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Foremost among these may be seniors. There are a lot of seniors in Canada. Not only do they tend to be well-versed and attentive when it comes to politics, but they turn out to vote in large numbers. The Conservatives knew exactly what they were doing when they pledged to double the maximum contribution to tax-free savings accounts, which appeal strongly to seniors. Overall, two-thirds of Canadians say they support the TFSA plan; among seniors that is especially so.

To finance his child-care plan, Trudeau has to cancel the TFSA proposal, which won’t play well at all among late-stage boomers in the 55 + age group. They don’t have small children, they managed to raise families without Justin Trudeau’s help, and they’re worried about having enough to live on as they age. Having the millionaire trust-fund son of Pierre Trudeau snatch away a popular savings plan may remind a lot of people of the elder Trudeau’s ill-received question to Saskatchewan farmers: “Why should I sell your wheat?” And why should his son fund their retirements?

On Monday Trudeau said he’d jettison two expensive Conservative proposals: the TFSA increase, and income-splitting for families. He’d use all the money that saves to fund his tax cut and child benefit. Unless he finds something else to cancel, there’s no money left for other goodies, despite all the markers he’s laid down since becoming leader two years ago. While careful to make no firm commitments, Trudeau has portrayed his Liberals as the caring face of Canada, the ones who would funnel money to municipalities, spread infrastructure projects across the land, eliminate the squeeze on health care and foster a new world of environmental protection.