Feds report $25.7B deficit between April and January
The federal government recorded a budgetary deficit of $25.7 billion as of the end of January for the current fiscal year.
The Finance Department says in its monthly fiscal monitor that the deficit between April and January compared with a $6.4-billion deficit during the same period a year earlier.
Government revenues increased by $10.5 billion, or three per cent, largely due to higher personal income tax revenues, other tax revenues and non-tax revenues.
Meanwhile, program expenses excluding net actuarial losses increased by $21.2 billion, or 6.7 per cent as spending increased across all major categories.
Public debt charges rose by $10.3 billion, or 35.9 per cent, largely due to higher interest rates.
Net actuarial losses fell by $1.9 billion, or 23.2 per cent, compared with the same period a year earlier.
This article was first reported by The Canadian Press