Government of Canada Tables 2014-2015 Main Estimates with $800-Million Decrease in Planned Voted Expenditures

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Feb. 27, 2014) - Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat

Today, the Government of Canada tabled the 2014-2015 Main Estimates in the House of Commons.

This year's Main Estimates reflect a steady decrease in voted appropriations, with this year's voted budgetary amount down nearly $800 million from last year.

The Main Estimates provide information on $235.3 billion in planned budgetary expenditures for the 2014-2015 fiscal year. This amount includes $86.3 billion in planned voted expenditures, which have decreased from $87.1 billion in 2013-2014, and $149 billion in statutory expenditures. Statutory spending has increased by $3.53 billion, largely due to changes in the forecast of elderly benefits and the Canada Health Transfer.

Quick Facts

• The Main Estimates support the Government's request for Parliament's approval of expenditures that were already planned for in Canada's Economic Action Plan 2013 or in previous decisions.
• The Main Estimates reflect the Government's resource allocation priorities for the fiscal year. The voted amounts represent maximum "up to" ceilings or estimates and may not be fully spent during the course of the year. Actual expenditures are found in the Public Accounts.
• These estimates, combined with the Reports on Plans and Priorities, Public Accounts, and Departmental Performance Reports, help inform Parliament and hold the Government to account for allocating and managing public funds.
• The Main Estimates voted appropriations include the following items, which were announced in Economic Action Plan (EAP) 2013:
  • an increase of $311.7 million for Health Canada to stabilize, renew, and expand important health programs and services for First Nations and Inuit communities;
  • the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's $253.1 million Investment in Affordable Housing program, as well as $70 million for housing in Nunavut; and
  • an increase of $59.6 million for the National Research Council of Canada to realign industry-focused research.
• Any planned expenditures announced in EAP 2014 will be included in future Estimates documents.

Quotes

"This year's Main Estimates once again show a marked reduction in the amount of voted spending. The estimates for voted appropriations are down nearly $800 million from last year-a clear result of our Government's unwavering resolve to cut unnecessary spending and return to a balanced budget."

- Tony Clement, President of the Treasury Board

Related products

- Main Estimates, 2014-15

Associated Links

- Government Expenditure Plan and Main Estimates (Parts I and II)

- The Reporting Cycle for the Government Expenditures

- Tools and Resources for Parliamentarians

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