Close X
Sunday, October 6, 2024
ADVT 
National

Spending tied to COVID-19 set to drop sharply: PBO

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 10 Mar, 2021 05:52 PM
  • Spending tied to COVID-19 set to drop sharply: PBO

Parliament's budget watchdog says the portion of federal spending related to COVID-19 is set to drop by 86 per cent in the coming fiscal year compared to 2020-21, as Canada transitions away from emergency pandemic measures.

The government is planning $22.7 billion in COVID-19-related spending over the coming year, versus an estimated $159.5 billion to date, according to a new report from parliamentary budget officer Yves Giroux.

Part of the decline relates to a projected plunge in relief spending for individuals.

In 2020-21, an estimated $122 billion flowed to Canadians via labour market supports such as the emergency response benefit, the recovery benefit and enhanced employment insurance, the report states.

The comparable figure for 2021-22 is less than $43 billion, reflecting a gradual phaseout of aid measures.

The report is based on estimates tabled in Parliament last month and does not factor in the coming budget, which may not be introduced until April.

Of the $342.2 billion outlined in the 2021-22 estimates, roughly one in every five dollars is earmarked for monthly payments to Canadian seniors, amounting to $62.4 billion in elder benefits. The benefits are indexed to inflation.

The Canada Health Transfer, indexed to GDP growth, comprises the second-largest component of federal spending, amounting to $43.1 billion to help provinces and territories to help pay for health care.

Parliament must approve government spending through a process called the estimates, with the main estimates — brought forward on Feb. 27 — providing base funding for all departments.

The estimates show the Finance Department budget is slated to shrink by 13 per cent to $103.8 billion and the budget for Employment and Social Development Canada by more than half to $82.4 billion. Public Health Agency of Canada budget is estimated at $8.8 billion, down $21 billion last year.

Of the $342.2 billion outlined in the estimates, $141.9 billion requires House of Commons approval via a pair of appropriation bills.

MORE National ARTICLES

Vancouver police investigates theft of wigs in the South Cambie Neighboord of Vancouver

Vancouver police investigates theft of wigs in the South Cambie Neighboord of Vancouver
Vancouver Police are asking for the public’s help to locate multiple wigs taken during a break-in to a hair salon near City Centre Mall last week. Two male suspects broke into JO Hair salon located at 3017 Cambie Street and stole multiple wigs, hair toppers, and hair extensions worth over $45,000 in the morning of June 3.

Vancouver police investigates theft of wigs in the South Cambie Neighboord of Vancouver

COVID-19 highlights need for better treatment of migrant labour, advocates say

COVID-19 highlights need for better treatment of migrant labour, advocates say
Migrant-rights advocates say the COVID-19 pandemic has shown that labourers in Canada can no longer be treated like "throwaway people" as they have been in the past.

COVID-19 highlights need for better treatment of migrant labour, advocates say

Road tests for certain types of driver licenses set to resume in B.C.

Road tests for certain types of driver licenses set to resume in B.C.
The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia is resuming on-road testing for commercial licences but drivers waiting for passenger vehicle tests must hold on a little longer.

Road tests for certain types of driver licenses set to resume in B.C.

UPDATE: The Toronto Police Service is requesting the public's assistance locating a missing South Asian man.

UPDATE: The Toronto Police Service is requesting the public's assistance locating a missing South Asian man.
UPDATE: The Toronto Police Service would like to thank the public for their assistance locating a missing man. Simardeep Grewal has been found safe and sound.  The Toronto Police Service is requesting the public's assistance locating a missing man. Simardeep Grewal, 43, was last seen on Monday, May 25, 2020, in the Bremner Boulevard and York Street area.

UPDATE: The Toronto Police Service is requesting the public's assistance locating a missing South Asian man.

Over 190,000 repayments made to CRA - Scare Tactics for CERB FRAUD Working?

Over 190,000 repayments made to CRA - Scare Tactics for CERB FRAUD Working?
Over 190,000 repayments made to CRA - Scare Tactics for CERB FRAUD Working? When a claimant is found to be ineligible, they are contacted to make arrangements to repay an amount. The federal government is bringing in a bill to be tabled today where they are proposing changes to CERB.

Over 190,000 repayments made to CRA - Scare Tactics for CERB FRAUD Working?

Liberals push forward with COVID-19 bill despite likely impasse

Liberals push forward with COVID-19 bill despite likely impasse
The Liberals are pushing forward with a contentious piece of emergency legislation that would extend COVID-19 aid programs even though Opposition parties appear unlikely to allow it to move forward quickly.

Liberals push forward with COVID-19 bill despite likely impasse