Tuesday, July 7, 2026
ADVT 
National

Liberals ready to release economic update

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 14 Dec, 2021 10:51 AM
  • Liberals ready to release economic update

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.

BMO director of Canadian rates Benjamin Reitzes said the wording could be a sign that the government recognizes it is time to stand down a bit on its stimulus spending.

Freeland is facing calls for more benefit spending from labour groups, and requests from business groups for a plan to deal with supply-chain issues, "Buy American" provisions the White House is pushing and domestic labour shortages.

Dennis Darby, president of Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, says the issues could weaken the economic rebound from COVID-19.

 

MORE National ARTICLES

One missed signal light, one more dangerous weapon removed from the street.

One missed signal light, one more dangerous weapon removed from the street.
Benjamin James Gilleland, a 35-year-old resident of Surrey, was held in custody to be brought before a judge on the outstanding warrant, while the other two occupants were released at the scene.

One missed signal light, one more dangerous weapon removed from the street.

B.C. long-term care workers vaccinated next week

B.C. long-term care workers vaccinated next week
Up to 400,000 B.C. residents can get a shot in the arm by the end of March. Dr. Henry says prioritizing those who work at care homes will protect the elderly, who can't travel to sites where the vaccine must be administered because it needs to be kept at a very cold temperature.

B.C. long-term care workers vaccinated next week

Lines drawn for first ministers' health meeting

Lines drawn for first ministers' health meeting
First ministers are scheduled to meet via conference call Thursday — a long-awaited meeting that was supposed to be devoted to the premiers' unanimous call for a big increase in the annual federal transfer to provinces and territories for health care.

Lines drawn for first ministers' health meeting

U.S. takes fresh aim at Canada's dairy farmers

U.S. takes fresh aim at Canada's dairy farmers
The U.S. has made an official request for consultations to address Canada's limits on a variety of dairy products — an initial step in the first enforcement action under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement since the deal took effect in July.

U.S. takes fresh aim at Canada's dairy farmers

CBSA manager told not to take notes on Meng arrest

CBSA manager told not to take notes on Meng arrest
Goodman testified she wanted to create a case summary or timeline of events, but MacVicar warned that the record could later be obtained through an access to information request.

CBSA manager told not to take notes on Meng arrest

Permanent fishway to be built at Fraser landslide

Permanent fishway to be built at Fraser landslide
But Fisheries and Oceans says record-breaking high water levels in the Fraser River this year affected the migration of salmon that are already facing threats including habitat degradation and warming ocean waters.

Permanent fishway to be built at Fraser landslide