Government Spending

Don’t Spend Away the Windfall: Better Options for Alberta’s Unexpected Revenues

— Feb 9, 2023

Don’t Spend Away the Windfall: Better Options for Alberta’s Unexpected Revenues is a new study that finds when resource revenues have increased in the past, previous governments have increased spending, which led to sizeable deficits when resource revenues declined—making this an ample opportunity for Alberta to strengthen the province's finances and economy for the long-term.

Federal and Provincial Debt-Interest Costs for Canadians, 2023 edition

— Feb 2, 2023

Federal and Provincial Debt Interest Costs for Canadians, 2023 edition is a new study that finds Canadians in every province will pay more than $1,300 per person in 2022/23 on government interest costs, totalling $68.6 billion on interest payments for the federal and provincial debts.

The Growing Debt Burden for Canadians: 2023 Edition

— Jan 10, 2023

The Growing Debt Burden for Canadians: 2023 Edition finds that not only has Canada’s projected combined government debt (the federal debt and the provincial debt of all 10 provinces) nearly doubled since 2007/08, the year before the last recession, but the combined debt now equals 74.6 per cent of the Canadian economy.

The End of Spending Restraint in British Columbia

— Jan 4, 2023

The End of Spending Restraint in British Columbia finds that after a long period of relative spending restraint, the B.C. government significantly increased spending—even before any COVID-related spending began.

Measuring the Fiscal Performance of Canada's Premiers, 2022

— Nov 17, 2022

Measuring the Fiscal Performance of Canada's Premiers, 2022 is a new study that ranks Canadian premiers (seven current and four former) based on three fiscal policy categories: government spending, taxes, and deficits and debt up to the fiscal year 2021/22. Premiers who managed spending more prudently, balanced the budgets, and or paid down debt ranked higher.

Population and the Fiscal Outcomes of Subnational Jurisdictions

— Oct 20, 2022

Population and the Fiscal Outcomes of Subnational Jurisdictions is a new study that finds once a province or state exceeds a certain population size, the government’s role in the economy begins to grow.

Recent Government Spending Commentaries and Blog Posts

Ottawa touts wait lists for dysfunctional child-care program

Matthew Lau

Appeared in the Financial Post, April 11, 2024

Only public and non-profit providers have access to the billions in government grants.

It’s time for an honest conversation about the costs of new federal programs

Jake Fuss, Grady Munro

Support for government-funded pharmacare, dental care and daycare plummeted to well below 50 per cent if the programs are paid for by tax hikes.

Growing the government won’t help Canada’s economy

Jake Fuss, Grady Munro, Alex Whalen

The Trudeau government has recorded the five-highest years of federal spending in Canadian history.

Canada’s federal government disregards its own fiscal rules—unlike Sweden

Grady Munro, Jake Fuss

Rather than adopt the discipline necessary to get back on track, Ottawa simply moves the goalposts.

Alberta and B.C. budgets represent two different approaches to government finances

Grady Munro, Tegan Hill

According to projections, government debt interest will cost nearly $1,000 per British Columbian by 2026/27.

Federal government should listen to Canadians and restrain spending in upcoming budget

Grady Munro, Jake Fuss

In 2023/24, interest costs on federal government debt will reach a projected $46.5 billion.

Balanced budget within reach—if Ottawa restrains spending

Jake Fuss, Grady Munro

Since 2014/15, annual federal program spending has increased by $193.6 billion—or 75.5 per cent.

New Brunswick government should resist temptation to increase spending before election

Alex Whalen

This year, the province will spend a projected $548 million on provincial debt interest.

Newfoundland and Labrador government must balance budget to tackle massive debt

Grady Munro, Alex Whalen

Appeared in the St. John's Telegram, March 15, 2024

In 2023/24, the province will spend roughly $1.1 billion on debt interest.

B.C. government sparks debt explosion with far-reaching consequences

Tegan Hill, Jason Clemens

From 2019-20 to 2024-25, the government increased program spending by more than 50 per cent.