Liberals to provide fiscal update, future outlook for Canadian economy today
Global News
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland plans to release an updated accounting of federal finances and provide the government's economic outlook for the coming months.
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland plans to release an updated accounting of federal finances today and provide the government’s economic outlook for the coming months.
The government predicted the deficit for last fiscal year would be $354.2 billion, and nearly $155 billion this year.
But federal books could have billions more in extra fiscal space helped by higher oil prices, which have also helped push up inflation rates.
Freeland didn’t directly answer a question Monday about how that will be reflected in today’s update, saying she would have more to say once the document is released.
While the Liberals promised billions in new spending on the election campaign, the Finance Department has sent signals that the update won’t have a long list of new spending measures.
One measure was unveiled Monday, as the government set aside $40 billion to compensate First Nations children and undertake long-term reforms to the child-welfare system.
Economists suggest that some promised spending might be delayed because it could add to inflationary pressures.
While the Bank of Canada has a mandate to keep inflation in check, the government agreed Monday it plays a role in helping the central bank maintain inflation around its two-per-cent target.