The first federal budget of Prime Minister Mark Carney is anticipated to be bold and ambitious, potentially coming with a significant cost.
The previous update on Ottawa's finances was in the fall economic statement of December 2024, which projected a $48.3 billion deficit for 2024-25, aiming to reduce it to about $23 billion by the end of the 2029-30 fiscal year.
Carney's government, which was elected on a promise to reduce reliance on Canada's neighbours to the south amidst a trade war with the United States, may not follow the previously suggested path towards deficit reduction.
Carney has promised that his first budget will be bold, ambitious, and “meet this moment”
This budget will also serve as a confidence vote in the minority Liberal government.
Author's summary: PM Mark Carney's budget to be bold and costly.