That's because with the government in a $56-billion deficit hole, the minister says he can't afford to much more than table a stay the course budget this year.

But Flaherty has good news for Canadians. He believes the economy and labour market have stabilized and will show some growth in 2010.

That means the government is confident it can wind down its $46.6 billion stimulus program as planned in the spring of 2011.