Ottawa posts surplus of $5.3B for first two months of 2022-23 fiscal year

The federal government posted a surplus of $5.3 billion for the first two months of the 2022-23 fiscal year.

In its monthly fiscal monitor report, the Finance Department says the tally compared with a deficit of $23.8 billion for the same period of 2021-22. There were surpluses of $2.7 billion for each of April and May.

The federal government says its 2022-23 financial results continue to improve compared to the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Program expenses, excluding net actuarial losses, were down $17.9 billion, or 23.3%, largely reflecting lower transfers to individuals, businesses and other levels of government.

Public debt charges rose by $1.7 billion, or 44.2%, primarily driven by hot inflation and higher interest rates.

Revenue for the period was up $12.1 billion, or 20.3%. Net actuarial losses were $1.7 billion for the period, compared with almost $2.6 billion a year earlier.

The Canadian Press

The Canadian Press is a national news agency headquartered in Toronto and founded in 1917.