Expectations are grim for next week's budget, the Carney government’s first — and indeed, the first Canada has seen in more than 18 months: a record deficit, limited room to manoeuvre, and what the prime minister himself has warned will require “sacrifice” (from Canadians, of course...)

But according to political strategist Yaroslav Baran, this week's guest on The Hannaford Show, Canadians should prepare for something stranger than mere belt-tightening.