Federal spending on health care and elderly benefits are set to rise at a faster clip over the next 12 months than previously planned under forecasts the parliamentary budget officer warns don't account for looming budget promises.
Health transfers are calculated to grow by at least three per cent each year, but the budget office says cash to provinces is set to rise by 4.8 per cent year-over-year. The $2.1 billion increase will bring federal spending on health care to $45.2 billion in the coming fiscal year that starts in April.
The study from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives estimates that six provinces will have a budget surplus this year or next, and could be in better shape if provinces choose to collect enough taxes to cover spending. "There's certainly a better case to be made, if you do take these surpluses and small deficits to reinvest in long-term care and health care, to then go to the federal government and say, 'Look, we're doing our part, time for you to do your part,"" Macdonald said.
"It's time the government offered health-care workers more than praise. They need to make the necessary investments in our health-care system so that heath-care workers and patients across the country have the support they deserve," NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said in a statement Thursday.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Budget office says federal spending on health care going up faster than plannedFederal spending on health care and elderly benefits are set to rise at a faster clip over the next 12 months than previously planned under forecasts the parliamentary budget officer warns don't account for looming budget promises.
Read more »
No need to delay the release of the 2022 budget because of war in Ukraine, says Parliamentary Budget OfficerC.D. Howe Institute ‘shadow budget’ calls for tax hikes, spending restraint to reduce deficit spending
Read more »
Freeland hints upcoming budget could have more money for militaryDeputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland hinted Wednesday that the upcoming federal budget could contain new money for the Canadian Armed Forces, as Canada faces pressure to invest more into its military following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Read more »
Are you adjusting your budget or March Break plans due to high gas prices? We want to hear from youIf you have made adjustments to your weekly routine to cut corners and save money on gas, CTVNews.ca wants to hear from you.
Read more »