Canada’s top combined personal income tax rates are now among the highest in the industrialized world.

The new federal Liberal government will table its first budget next week, with media reports suggesting a deficit triple the amount promised during the election campaign.

The TD forecast shows a persistent federal deficit of approximately $30 billion a year for the foreseeable future.

Policies that are uncompetitive and increase the time, costs, and risks associated with exploration could discourage investment in exploration.