Government Spending

Examining Federal Debt in Canada by Prime Ministers Since Confederation, 2022

— Jul 14, 2022

Examining Federal Debt in Canada by Prime Ministers Since Confederation, 2022 is a new study that finds Prime Minister Trudeau’s government has increased per-person debt by 35.3 per cent since 2015, the third highest amount since World War II.

The Fiscal Costs of Debt-Financed Government Spending

— Jul 7, 2022

The Fiscal Costs of Debt-Financed Government Spending is a new study that finds debt-financed government spending has real economic costs, even when interest rates are very low, including slower economic growth, lower private sector incomes, and spending cuts and/or tax increases by government to stabilize debt levels.

Indigenous Spending in Budget 2022

— Jun 28, 2022

Indigenous Spending in Budget 2022 finds that the federal government’s recent substantial increase of Indigenous spending—which will reach a projected $35.5 billion in 2026-27—is mainly due to judicial settlement payouts.

The Accumulated Debt and Economic Performance of Industrialized Countries during COVID

— Jun 21, 2022

The Accumulated Debt and Economic Performance of Industrialized Countries during COVID finds that Canada had the second-highest increase in gross debt (as a share of the economy) out of 33 countries from 2019 to 2021 while actually underperforming economically compared to most of the same countries.

Understanding the Changing Ratio of Working-Age Canadians to Seniors and Its Consequences

— May 26, 2022

Understanding the Changing Ratio of Working-Age Canadians to Seniors and Its Consequences is a new study that finds as Canada’s population ages, the number of working-aged Canadians relative to the number of seniors has declined from 5.4 in 2000 to 3.4 in 2022, which means government spending related to seniors is increasing at the same time that the growth in tax revenues is declining.

Polling Canadians’ Support for New Federal Government Programs

— May 3, 2022

Polling Canadians’ Support for New Federal Government Programs is a new study, based on a Leger poll commissioned by the Fraser Institute, that finds support for national dental care, pharmacare and $10-a-day daycare drops significantly when tax increases are included, specifically GST hikes. In fact, 4-in-10 Canadians (or less) support the new programs introduced or committed to in the recent federal budget if the GST were increased in order to pay for them.

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Recent Government Spending Commentaries and Blog Posts

Federal budget’s scale of spending and debt reveal a government lacking self-control

Jake Fuss, Grady Munro

In 2024/25, federal program spending will reach a projected $483.6 billion—up $16.1 billion from the previous budget’s estimates.

Ottawa touts wait lists for dysfunctional child-care program

Matthew Lau

Appeared in the Financial Post, April 11, 2024

Only public and non-profit providers have access to the billions in government grants.

It’s time for an honest conversation about the costs of new federal programs

Jake Fuss, Grady Munro

Support for government-funded pharmacare, dental care and daycare plummeted to well below 50 per cent if the programs are paid for by tax hikes.

Growing the government won’t help Canada’s economy

Jake Fuss, Grady Munro, Alex Whalen

The Trudeau government has recorded the five-highest years of federal spending in Canadian history.

Canada’s federal government disregards its own fiscal rules—unlike Sweden

Grady Munro, Jake Fuss

Rather than adopt the discipline necessary to get back on track, Ottawa simply moves the goalposts.

Alberta and B.C. budgets represent two different approaches to government finances

Grady Munro, Tegan Hill

According to projections, government debt interest will cost nearly $1,000 per British Columbian by 2026/27.

Federal government should listen to Canadians and restrain spending in upcoming budget

Grady Munro, Jake Fuss

In 2023/24, interest costs on federal government debt will reach a projected $46.5 billion.

Balanced budget within reach—if Ottawa restrains spending

Jake Fuss, Grady Munro

Since 2014/15, annual federal program spending has increased by $193.6 billion—or 75.5 per cent.

New Brunswick government should resist temptation to increase spending before election

Alex Whalen

This year, the province will spend a projected $548 million on provincial debt interest.

Newfoundland and Labrador government must balance budget to tackle massive debt

Grady Munro, Alex Whalen

Appeared in the St. John's Telegram, March 15, 2024

In 2023/24, the province will spend roughly $1.1 billion on debt interest.