With the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic behind us, a concerning trajectory of federal spending has become clear. The economic rebound and higher inflation have boosted federal revenues, and the government is spending almost all the new money.While some new spending is arguably effective in...

The federal government’s massive spending and borrowing during the COVID-19 pandemic has desensitized Canadians to fiscal excess.The government has promised costly new programs without revenue to cover them or measures to boost economic growth and the tax base. This Shadow Federal Budget for...

The pandemic has kicked Canadian government debt to high levels. Federal and provincial budget plans could well see it go higher for decades and even generations. The 2021 federal budget demonstrates the sensitivity and fragility of Canada’s fiscal prospects. In this E-Brief, we explore...

The Federal Government’s spending and borrowing cushioned the impact of COVID-19 on Canada’s economy, but have put national finances on an unsustainable path. The upcoming budget must make tough choices to put Canada on a path back to fiscal stability. As the health crisis abates, Canada...