Federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty tabled the government's budget for 2013-2014 yesterday. The following is an overview of the key points of the budget, which many analysts consider relatively lean.
Mr. Flaherty is projecting a deficit around $18.7G for the current year, which will increase the federal debt/GDP ratio to 33.8%. This situation is nevertheless an enviable one when compared to other G20 member nations.
Ottawa intends to invest $47.5G over 10 years in infrastructure programs, which no doubt led mayors of major Canadian cities to breathe a sigh of relief.
The Conservatives are also planning a major overhaul of job training programs, much to the chagrin of provincial governments, who consider it an intrusion on their jurisdiction.
The federal government also intends to crack down severely on tax evasion, implementing, among other measures, a bonus for whistleblowers with a view to collecting some $4.4G over five years.
Today will be a quiet Friday on the economic front, with a completely empty calendar in North America. Wishing you a great weekend!
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