Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre defended his platform’s economic assumptions, saying it is essential to campaign on a promise of economic growth.

The blueprint his party released Tuesday promises $34-billion in new spending, and $75-billion in tax cuts.

The spending would be offset by $56-billion in spending reductions but the party’s fiscal plan also relies on projections that Mr. Poilievre’s policies would bring in $21-billion in tax revenue for the government.

Campbell Clark: Poilievre counts on the budget (almost) balancing itself

That includes significant funds from the construction of new housing over four years, the rollout of new natural resources projects, and a crackdown on tax evasion.

With warnings that the trade war with the U.S. will push Canada into a recession. Mr. Poilievre was asked by reporters at an event in Stoney Creek, Ont., Wednesday whether his projections ought to have been more guarded.

“You asked me, in a period of economic weakness, after the Liberals have been in power for three terms, whether it is wise to campaign on economic growth?” he said.

“It’s not only wise, it’s essential for a change that we grow our economy,” he said.

“It would be reckless is to continue with the same Liberal policies.”

The Bank of Canada, as well as many economists, are warning the ongoing trade war will put downward pressure on the Canadian economy.

“The major shift in direction of US trade policy and the unpredictability of tariffs have increased uncertainty, diminished prospects for economic growth, and raised inflation expectations,” the bank said in its April 16 interest rate announcement.

The Conservative platform, like that of the Liberals, estimates Ottawa will earn $20-billion in revenue gained from retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods in the 2025-26 year alone.

Mr. Poilievre is using those funds for tax cuts, and to provide loans to businesses affected by the tariffs.

Liberal Leader Mark Carney has said the Conservatives’ platform relies on “phantom” numbers and if his party booked revenue from the expected impact of the platform’s investments and tax cuts, the party’s platform could have shown a balanced budget within five years.

The Liberals’ platform proposes nearly $130-billion in spending and tax cuts over four years. Mr. Carney projects a deficit of $62.3-billion this fiscal year, followed by $59.9-billion the next year. It would be $48-billion in 2028-29.

Mr. Poilievre is not promising to balance the budget in the next four years. By the fourth year, or the 2028-29 fiscal, the projected deficit according to their platform would be $14.1-billion.

A cameraperson for the broadcast pool outside the Croatian Sports and Community Centre of Hamilton in Stoney Creek asked Mr. Poilievre when he’ll balance the budget.

“You mean the Liberal deficit,” he replied.

Mr. Poilievre will travel to Halifax later Wednesday for an evening rally, and is expected to then travel back west across Canada for the final days of the campaign.