Related document:
The Fiscal Monitor - September 2006
The Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, today released The Fiscal Monitor for September 2006.
Highlights
September 2006: budgetary deficit of $1.4 billion
There was a budgetary deficit of $1.4 billion in September 2006, compared
to a $0.2-billion surplus in September 2005. Revenues increased by $0.3
billion, or 2.0 per cent, driven by strong growth in income tax
revenues, partially offset by a drop in goods and services tax (GST)
revenues, reflecting the cut to the GST rate on July 1, 2006. Program
expenses increased by $1.8 billion, or 13.2 per cent, reflecting increases
in transfer payments and departmental operating expenses. Public debt
charges were up $72 million.
April to September 2006: budgetary surplus of $5.3 billion
For the first six months of the 2006-07 fiscal year, the budgetary
surplus is estimated at $5.3 billion, up $0.4 billion from the $4.9-billion
surplus posted in the same period of 2005-06. Revenues were up $5.6
billion, or 5.3 per cent, driven by strong growth in income tax revenues,
slightly offset by declines in excise taxes and employment insurance premium
revenues. Program expenses were up $5.0 billion, or 6.1 per cent, due to
both higher transfers and other program expenses. Public debt charges were
up $0.2 billion.
In keeping with the 2006 budget commitment to provide quarterly updates
of the fiscal forecast for the current year, an updated forecast will be
published in The Economic and Fiscal Update.
The Fiscal Monitor is a monthly document that provides highlights of
the federal government's fiscal performance, including monthly revenues,
expenses, the budgetary balance and the financial source/requirement.
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For further information, media may contact:
Eric Richer
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Finance
613-996-7861
David Gamble
Media Relations
Department of Finance
613-996-8080
