18.76°C Vancouver

Jul 8, 2020 7:34 PM -

Fiscal Snapshot: Federal deficit projected to be $343.2 billion in 2020-21

Share On
fiscal-snapshot-federal-deficit-projected-to-be-343-2-billion-in-2020-21
Minister of Finance Bill Morneau rises during a meeting of the Special Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, on Wednesday, June 17, 2020. The federal Liberals will lay out today how they see the COVID-19 affecting federal finances for the fiscal year, detailing an estimated deficit and a projected path for the economy. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

The Liberals are projecting the deficit will soar to $343.2 billion in 2020-2021 due to pandemic relief programs.

That is a historic level and 43-billion-dollars beyond even the highest private sector predictions.

Finance Minister Bill Morneau says the government expects nearly two-million Canadians will remain out of work this year as the COVID-19 pandemic drags down the economy.

In the event of a second wave of infections, the government is forecasting a deeper and longer-lasting negative impact on the economy.


The COVID-19 fiscal snapshot: By the numbers


Estimated federal deficit for 2020-21: $343.2 billion

Direct federal aid to individuals and businesses as a result of COVID-19: $212 billion

Number of Canadians who were laid off or had their hours cut as a result of COVID-19 between February and April: 5.5 million

Number of Canadians who applied for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit: 8.16 million

Amount government paid out in Canada Emergency Response Benefit as of June 28: $53.53 billion

Number of students who applied for Canada Emergency Student Benefit: 601,356

Amount government paid out in Canada Emergency Student Benefit as of July 2: $1.42 billion

Number of Canadians whose jobs were supported by the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy: 3 million

Expected unemployment rate by the end of 2020: 9.8 per cent

Expected unemployment rate in 2021: 7.8 per cent

29: Number of times the government uses the word "unprecedented" in its fiscal snapshot documents

Latest news

farmers-to-hold-delhi-mahapanchayat-over-proposed-india-u-s-trade-agreement
IndiaJul 20, 2026

Farmers to hold Delhi Mahapanchayat over proposed India–U.S. trade agreement

Farmers from different parts of the country are scheduled to gather at Kisan Ghat in New Delhi on Tuesday for a Mahapanchayat to protest the proposed India–U.S. trade agreement. Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said the gathering, being organised on the call of the Desh Bachao Morcha, will oppose the proposed deal, which he described as being against the interests of farmers. According to Pandher, the agreement could adversely affect the farming community, and protesters will urge the Centre not to implement it. Pandher said buses carrying farmers from Punjab are expected to leave for Delh
four-charged-after-alleged-retail-theft-at-markham-business-york-regional-police-say
BCJul 20, 2026

Four charged after alleged retail theft at Markham business, York Regional Police say

Four men have been arrested following an alleged retail theft at a business in Markham, while police continue to search for a fifth suspect, according to York Regional Police. Police said officers responded at about 8 a.m. Tuesday to a business near Fairburn Drive and Highway 7 after receiving reports that several suspects had filled shopping carts with power tools and left the store without paying. Investigators allege the suspects were attempting to flee in a vehicle when officers arrived and, with assistance from store security staff, took four individuals into custody. York Regional Police
BCJul 20, 2026

Woman seriously injured in stabbing at Campbell River parking lot, RCMP investigating

A 30-year-old woman was seriously injured in a stabbing early Sunday morning in Campbell River, according to the RCMP. Police said the incident occurred at about 2:30 a.m. in a parking area in the 1200-block of Cedar Street. Responding officers provided first aid before BC Emergency Health Services transported the woman to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. According to the Campbell River RCMP, the detachment's Major Crime Unit, Forensic Identification Services and general duty officers remained at the scene for several hours to collect evidence and interview witnesses. I
CanadaJul 20, 2026

Canada Child Benefit payments increase takes effect today, millions of families to receive higher amounts

Higher Canada Child Benefit (CCB) payments began rolling out today following the federal government's annual benefit adjustment. According to the Government of Canada, the increase is expected to benefit approximately 3.6 million families and about 6 million children across the country. Under the updated benefit rates, eligible families can receive up to $8,157 annually for each child under the age of six, an increase of $160 from the previous benefit year. For children aged six to 17, the maximum annual payment has increased to $6,883, up $135 from last year. According to the Canada Revenue A
at-least-930-dead-as-congos-ebola-outbreak-continues-to-grow
WorldJul 20, 2026

At least 930 dead as Congo's Ebola outbreak continues to grow

At least 930 people have died in the Democratic Republic of the Congo's Ebola outbreak, according to the country's Ministry of Health. The ministry said 2,344 Ebola cases had been confirmed as of Saturday. In an overnight update into Monday, officials reported 37 additional deaths in the previous 24 hours, marking one of the highest single-day death totals recorded during the outbreak. According to the Ministry of Health, the outbreak was declared in eastern Congo on May 15 and has become the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on record. Health officials said the outbreak is caused by the Bundibug

Related News