Budget 2026: What They're NOT Telling You About NL's Finances | H&H Ep. 21

Every spring, the government of Newfoundland and Labrador tables a budget. The public sees the highlights. What they don't see is everything that happens behind the lock-up door — and what the numbers actually mean once you know how to read them. Andrew Parsons has been on the inside — as a cabinet minister who helped build budgets. Alex Bill has been on the outside — as a journalist locked in a room with binders, no phone, and a deadline. In Episode 21, they bring both perspectives to NL's Budget 2026 for an analysis you won't hear anywhere else. In this episode: • What a budget lock-up actually is — and why it exists • The experience from both sides of the table: cabinet minister vs. journalist • A breakdown of the key numbers in NL's Budget 2026 • What the government is prioritizing — and what they're not saying out loud • The deficit, debt servicing, and what it means for the province's financial future • What insiders watch for that the public never notices • The political strategy behind how budgets are presented and messaged • Andrew's honest take on what he would have done differently Whether you're a political junkie, a concerned taxpayer, or just someone who wants to understand where the money goes — this is the episode that actually explains it. Mailbag: [email protected] Stay Connected: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHonourableandTheHack Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7LkQE67ItNWoKWlcBbhQmy Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-honourable-and-the-hack/id1864962121 Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and their guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any employer, organization, or institution. This content is intended for discussion and commentary and should not be considered professional, legal, or political advice. Some discussion in this episode includes speculation and forward-looking commentary based on publicly available information and personal experience.