August 2013

FISCAL MONITOR FOR APRIL-JUNE 2013

For the first three months of fiscal year 2013-14, the federal government posted a deficit of $2.6 billion, down $0.3 billion from that reported in the same period in 2012-13.  In the March 2013 Budget, the deficit was expected to decline by $7.2 billion for the year as a whole, from $25.9 billion to $18.7 billion. Although the current results appear to be at odds with the expected decline for the year, at least five to six months of financial data are required before one can properly assess the expected decline for the fiscal year as a whole.

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"SELF-LEVIATION" ISN'T WORKING: THE GOVERNMENT NEEDS A NEW GROWTH AND JOB STRATEGY

this week the Minister of Finance held his seventh National Policy Retreat with business, academic and other “experts” to discuss job creation and economic growth, particularly “issues” related to “skill shortages, labor mobility, internal trade and promoting investment in Canada.” These are important issues.   It would be even more helpful if he would now meet with his provincial counterparts since these issues fall under provincial jurisdiction.

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