Flaherty says no doubt of balanced budget in 2015, but won't promise it sooner

OTTAWA - Finance Minister Jim Flaherty says he'll deliver a balanced budget in 2015 without raising taxes or cutting transfers to the provinces.

But he's not promising to balance this year's budget, which is expected later this month.

Flaherty says the date of the upcoming budget will be announced later today, and says it will likely be a stopgap document, foreshadowing good news to come.

The Harper government has long touted its economic stewardship as a key strength, something Flaherty says will be underscored in the next budget.

The minister isn't giving any hints as to what the document might hold.

He has, however, played down the idea that there might be some goodies coming, saying such spending will have to wait until after the books are balanced.

It's expected that a better balance sheet in 2015 will allow the government to pay for some long-promised campaign plums, including income splitting for tax purposes.