Justin Trudeau says new deficit prediction is sign of government mismanagement

Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau says an economic forecast shows the Conservative government has failed to protect the economy and help Canadians.

Trudeau is on a campaign-style swing through Winnipeg and says the Conservatives have been unable to run a surplus except for one they inherited from the Liberal government a decade ago.

A new analysis by the parliamentary budget office says the government is on track to run a $1-billion deficit this year — not the $1.4-billion surplus predicted in the spring budget.

• Conservatives facing $1B deficit despite promised surplus, budget watchdog says

The report also says revenues will be lower than expected in coming years.

Trudeau says he remains committed to his promises to reshape the income tax system and to give out more child-benefit payments.

During his Winnipeg visit, voters asked Trudeau about his stance on the enhanced universal child-care benefit, as well the legalization or decriminalization of marijuana.

"Controlling it, regulating it, keeping it out of the hands of our kids, and not criminalizing a bunch of people is the way to go," Trudeau said.

Manitoba currently has just one Liberal MP in Kevin Lamoureux, but Trudeau said this election is going to change that.

"We've been collecting donations, we've got a great team of volunteers, we're ready for whenever it happens and I'm really looking forward to it," Trudeau said.

With just three months until the election, Liberal candidate MaryAnn Mihychuk has been campaigning in the Conservative-held riding of Kildonan-St. Paul hoping to unseat Joy Smith.

"People are very frustrated with the Harper government and the way that it's been rolling out its agenda, and I hear over and over that it's time for a change," said Mihychuk.

Trudeau says he will soon release a fully costed election platform that will take into account what he calls the new realities of the economy.

The latest polls place the Liberals behind both the NDP and Conservatives.

• Poll Tracker: Liberals falling further behind NDP-Conservative race