Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff said earlier today he wants the Conservatives to provide periodic economic status reports to Parliament, as a condition for his party's support of the budget – and the minority government.

"We are putting this government on probation," Ignatieff said. "This budget does not include one word about accountability."

The Liberals are demanding reports on the budget's implementation and its cost, starting in March with others in June and December.

"We will vigilantly monitor its effect on our economy," he said.

"We will be watching like hawks to make sure the investments Canadians need actually reach them," he said.

Each of those reports will present an opportunity for the Liberals to withdraw their support, he said.

The NDP and the Bloc Quebecois have already declared their opposition to the budget.

While Tuesday's budget proposed billions of dollars in economic stimulus, there have been concerns raised about how fast the money will be spent.

Speaking today from a Tim Horton's in his riding in Whitby, Ont., Finance Minister Jim Flaherty said his spending plan reflects what Canadians want and need now.

With files from Canadian Press