Federal spending plan, 2026-27
Where Your Tax Money Goes
$595.0 billion in planned spending this year. See every dollar.
$595.0B
Total federal expenses
Source: Spring Economic Update 2026, Department of Finance CanadaReceipt$595,000,000,000Federal total expenses, 2026-27Forecast · FY2026-27SourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentSpring Economic Update 2026, Annex 1: Details of Economic and Fiscal ProjectionsWhereTable A1.9 The Expense Outlook, "Total expenses" row, 2026-2027 columnPublishedApril 28, 2026CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceSpring Economic Update 2026 projection (the government's plan for the year).All sourcesfederal.expenses.fy2026-27 · Figures checked October 2026
Total spending
Receipt$595,000,000,000Federal total expenses, 2026-27Forecast · FY2026-27SourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentSpring Economic Update 2026, Annex 1: Details of Economic and Fiscal ProjectionsWhereTable A1.9 The Expense Outlook, "Total expenses" row, 2026-2027 columnPublishedApril 28, 2026CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceSpring Economic Update 2026 projection (the government's plan for the year).All sourcesfederal.expenses.fy2026-27
Total expenses, 2026-27 plan
Total revenue
Receipt$529,600,000,000Federal budgetary revenues, 2026-27Forecast · FY2026-27SourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentSpring Economic Update 2026, Annex 1: Details of Economic and Fiscal ProjectionsWhereTable A1.8 The Revenue Outlook, "Total budgetary revenues" row, 2026-2027 columnPublishedApril 28, 2026CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceSpring Economic Update 2026 projection (the government's plan for the year).All sourcesfederal.revenue.fy2026-27
Taxes and other revenue
Deficit
$65.3BReceipt-$65,300,000,000Federal budgetary balance for 2026-27, as projected in each document (negative = deficit)Forecast · 2026-04-28SourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentSpring Economic Update 2026WhereAnnex 1, Table A1.7 (Summary Statement of Transactions), row "Spring Update 2026 budgetary balance", 2026–2027 columnPublishedApril 28, 2026CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceEach point is the balance one document gave for this fiscal year; its period is the date that document was published. The last point is the audited result, the preliminary result or the PBO's independent projection, as labelled.All sourcesforecasts.balance_projections.fy2026-27@2026-04-28
Receipt11.0%Share of federal expenses paid for with borrowing (the deficit), 2026-27Forecast · FY2026-27How we got it−budgetary balance ÷ total expensesInputsforecasts.balance_projections.fy2026-27@2026-04-28, federal.expenses.fy2026-27SourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentSpring Economic Update 2026WhereAnnex 1, Table A1.7 (Summary Statement of Transactions), row "Spring Update 2026 budgetary balance", 2026–2027 columnPublishedApril 28, 2026CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceSourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentSpring Economic Update 2026, Annex 1: Details of Economic and Fiscal ProjectionsWhereTable A1.9 The Expense Outlook, "Total expenses" row, 2026-2027 columnPublishedApril 28, 2026CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceAll sourcesfederal.deficit_share_of_expenses.fy2026-27 of spending is borrowed. New borrowing needed: Receipt-$133,400,000,000Federal financial requirement in the Spring Economic Update 2026: the cash Ottawa must borrow (negative = borrowing)Forecast · FY2026-27SourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentSpring Economic Update 2026WhereAnnex 1, Table A1.10 (The Budgetary Balance, Non-Budgetary Transactions, and Financial Source/Requirement), row "Financial source (requirement)", 2026–2027 columnPublishedApril 28, 2026CheckedOctober 5, 2026Open the source2025-26 is an estimate: the year has ended, and the audited result comes with the Public Accounts. 2026-27 is the government's projection. Each equals the budgetary balance plus non-budgetary transactions, as in the Fiscal Reference Tables series.All sourcesforecasts.financial_requirement.spring-update-2026@FY2026-27.
Spending by Type
The three add up to the Receipt$595,000,000,000Federal total expenses, 2026-27Forecast · FY2026-27SourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentSpring Economic Update 2026, Annex 1: Details of Economic and Fiscal ProjectionsWhereTable A1.9 The Expense Outlook, "Total expenses" row, 2026-2027 columnPublishedApril 28, 2026CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceSpring Economic Update 2026 projection (the government's plan for the year).All sourcesfederal.expenses.fy2026-27 total.
65.6%: Money Ottawa sends to people, provinces and organizations: seniors' benefits, EI, the Canada Child Benefit, health and social transfers, Equalization and departmental grants.
24.5%: Running more than 100 departments, agencies and Crown corporations, including National Defence and public service pay, plus pension revaluations.
9.9%: Interest on the debt. It buys no services.
Where Each Federal Dollar Goes
The calculator splits your federal income tax across these lines in proportion to their share. They cover the whole Receipt$595,000,000,000Federal total expenses, 2026-27Forecast · FY2026-27SourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentSpring Economic Update 2026, Annex 1: Details of Economic and Fiscal ProjectionsWhereTable A1.9 The Expense Outlook, "Total expenses" row, 2026-2027 columnPublishedApril 28, 2026CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceSpring Economic Update 2026 projection (the government's plan for the year).All sourcesfederal.expenses.fy2026-27 plan; Ottawa pays for Receipt11.0%Share of federal expenses paid for with borrowing (the deficit), 2026-27Forecast · FY2026-27How we got it−budgetary balance ÷ total expensesInputsforecasts.balance_projections.fy2026-27@2026-04-28, federal.expenses.fy2026-27SourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentSpring Economic Update 2026WhereAnnex 1, Table A1.7 (Summary Statement of Transactions), row "Spring Update 2026 budgetary balance", 2026–2027 columnPublishedApril 28, 2026CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceSourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentSpring Economic Update 2026, Annex 1: Details of Economic and Fiscal ProjectionsWhereTable A1.9 The Expense Outlook, "Total expenses" row, 2026-2027 columnPublishedApril 28, 2026CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceAll sourcesfederal.deficit_share_of_expenses.fy2026-27 of it with borrowing.
| Line | 2026-27 | Share |
|---|---|---|
Running the government Operating costs of more than 100 departments, agencies and Crown corporations, including National Defence and public service pay
| $145.7B | 24.5% |
Grants and programs run by departments Clean-economy tax credits, EV battery subsidies, infrastructure, Indigenous programs and other grants and contributions
| $121.7B | 20.5% |
Seniors' benefits Old Age Security, the Guaranteed Income Supplement and the Allowance | Receipt$89,300,000,000Elderly benefits (Old Age Security, Guaranteed Income Supplement and Allowance), 2026-27Forecast · FY2026-27SourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentSpring Economic Update 2026, Annex 1: Details of Economic and Fiscal ProjectionsWhereTable A1.9 The Expense Outlook, "Elderly benefits" row, 2026-2027 columnPublishedApril 28, 2026CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceSpring Economic Update 2026 projection (the government's plan for the year).All sourcesfederal.elderly_benefits.fy2026-27 | 15.0% |
Interest on the debt Interest on Ottawa's debt, most of it paid to bondholders. It buys no services. | Receipt$58,700,000,000Federal public debt charges (interest on the debt), 2026-27Forecast · FY2026-27SourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentSpring Economic Update 2026, Annex 1: Details of Economic and Fiscal ProjectionsWhereTable A1.9 The Expense Outlook, "Public debt charges" row, 2026-2027 columnPublishedApril 28, 2026CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceSpring Economic Update 2026 projection (the government's plan for the year).All sourcesfederal.pdc.fy2026-27 | 9.9% |
Canada Health Transfer Cash to the provinces and territories for health care | Receipt$57,419,000,000Canada Health Transfer, total, 2026-27Actual · FY2026-27SourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentMajor federal transfersWhereTable "Federal Support to Provinces and Territories" (millions of dollars), "Canada Health Transfer" row, 2026-27 columnPublishedDecember 11, 2025CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceAll sourcestransfers.cht.total.fy2026-27 | 9.6% |
EI benefits Benefits for laid-off workers, new parents, the sick and caregivers, paid from the EI Operating Account | Receipt$32,700,000,000Employment Insurance benefits, 2026-27Forecast · FY2026-27SourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentSpring Economic Update 2026, Annex 1: Details of Economic and Fiscal ProjectionsWhereTable A1.9 The Expense Outlook, "Employment Insurance benefits" row, 2026-2027 columnPublishedApril 28, 2026CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceSpring Economic Update 2026 projection (the government's plan for the year).All sourcesfederal.ei_benefits.fy2026-27 | 5.5% |
Canada Child Benefit Monthly payments to families with children, based on family income | Receipt$31,200,000,000Canada Child Benefit, 2026-27Forecast · FY2026-27SourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentSpring Economic Update 2026, Annex 1: Details of Economic and Fiscal ProjectionsWhereTable A1.9 The Expense Outlook, "Canada Child Benefit" row, 2026-2027 columnPublishedApril 28, 2026CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceSpring Economic Update 2026 projection (the government's plan for the year).All sourcesfederal.canada_child_benefit.fy2026-27 | 5.2% |
Equalization Paid from general federal revenue to provinces with below-average fiscal capacity | Receipt$27,160,000,000Equalization, total payments, 2026-27Actual · FY2026-27SourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentMajor federal transfersWhereTable "Federal Support to Provinces and Territories" (millions of dollars), "Equalization" row, 2026-27 columnPublishedDecember 11, 2025CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceEqualization is paid by the federal government from its general revenues; provincial governments pay nothing into it (Finance Canada, Equalization program).All sourcestransfers.equalization.total.fy2026-27 | 4.6% |
Canada Social Transfer Cash to the provinces and territories for post-secondary education, social assistance and children's programs | Receipt$17,939,000,000Canada Social Transfer, total, 2026-27Actual · FY2026-27SourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentMajor federal transfersWhereTable "Federal Support to Provinces and Territories" (millions of dollars), "Canada Social Transfer" row, 2026-27 columnPublishedDecember 11, 2025CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceAll sourcestransfers.cst.total.fy2026-27 | 3.0% |
Other transfers to provinces, territories and cities Territorial Formula Financing, child care and health agreements and the Build Communities Strong Fund, net of the Quebec abatement
| $13.0B | 2.2% |
The Spring Economic Update rounds each line to the nearest hundred million dollars, so lines inside a published subtotal are scaled to add up to it. Shares are rounded to one decimal so that the column adds up exactly, as in the calculator: the leftover tenths go to the largest remainders. That shows “Canada Health Transfer” as 9.6%, though it is 9.65% of the plan.
$58.7 billion in Debt InterestReceipt$58,700,000,000Federal public debt charges (interest on the debt), 2026-27Forecast · FY2026-27SourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentSpring Economic Update 2026, Annex 1: Details of Economic and Fiscal ProjectionsWhereTable A1.9 The Expense Outlook, "Public debt charges" row, 2026-2027 columnPublishedApril 28, 2026CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceSpring Economic Update 2026 projection (the government's plan for the year).All sourcesfederal.pdc.fy2026-27
Receipt9.9%Interest on the debt as a share of federal expenses, 2026-27Forecast · FY2026-27How we got itpublic debt charges ÷ total expensesInputsfederal.pdc.fy2026-27, federal.expenses.fy2026-27SourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentSpring Economic Update 2026, Annex 1: Details of Economic and Fiscal ProjectionsWhereTable A1.9 The Expense Outlook, "Public debt charges" row, 2026-2027 columnPublishedApril 28, 2026CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceSourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentSpring Economic Update 2026, Annex 1: Details of Economic and Fiscal ProjectionsWhereTable A1.9 The Expense Outlook, "Total expenses" row, 2026-2027 columnPublishedApril 28, 2026CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceAll sourcesfederal.expense_share.pdc.fy2026-27 of federal spending goes to interest on the debt: Receipt$1,861Federal interest on the debt per second, 2026-27Forecast · FY2026-27How we got itpublic debt charges for 2026-27 ÷ 31,536,000 secondsInputsfederal.pdc.fy2026-27SourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentSpring Economic Update 2026, Annex 1: Details of Economic and Fiscal ProjectionsWhereTable A1.9 The Expense Outlook, "Public debt charges" row, 2026-2027 columnPublishedApril 28, 2026CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceAll sourcesfederal.pdc.per_second.fy2026-27 every second. Most of it goes to bondholders, and it provides absolutely no services to Canadians. This year it is more than:
- the entire Canada Health Transfer: Receipt$57,419,000,000Canada Health Transfer, total, 2026-27Actual · FY2026-27SourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentMajor federal transfersWhereTable "Federal Support to Provinces and Territories" (millions of dollars), "Canada Health Transfer" row, 2026-27 columnPublishedDecember 11, 2025CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceAll sourcestransfers.cht.total.fy2026-27
- all Employment Insurance benefits: Receipt$32,700,000,000Employment Insurance benefits, 2026-27Forecast · FY2026-27SourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentSpring Economic Update 2026, Annex 1: Details of Economic and Fiscal ProjectionsWhereTable A1.9 The Expense Outlook, "Employment Insurance benefits" row, 2026-2027 columnPublishedApril 28, 2026CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceSpring Economic Update 2026 projection (the government's plan for the year).All sourcesfederal.ei_benefits.fy2026-27
- the Canada Child Benefit: Receipt$31,200,000,000Canada Child Benefit, 2026-27Forecast · FY2026-27SourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentSpring Economic Update 2026, Annex 1: Details of Economic and Fiscal ProjectionsWhereTable A1.9 The Expense Outlook, "Canada Child Benefit" row, 2026-2027 columnPublishedApril 28, 2026CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceSpring Economic Update 2026 projection (the government's plan for the year).All sourcesfederal.canada_child_benefit.fy2026-27
- Equalization: Receipt$27,160,000,000Equalization, total payments, 2026-27Actual · FY2026-27SourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentMajor federal transfersWhereTable "Federal Support to Provinces and Territories" (millions of dollars), "Equalization" row, 2026-27 columnPublishedDecember 11, 2025CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceEqualization is paid by the federal government from its general revenues; provincial governments pay nothing into it (Finance Canada, Equalization program).All sourcestransfers.equalization.total.fy2026-27
NATO's count of Canada's defence spending, as Ottawa reports it, is Receipt$71,517,000,000NATO's count of Canada's defence spending, as Ottawa reports it (core defence expenditure), 2026-27Estimate · FY2026-27SourceNorth Atlantic Treaty OrganizationDocumentDefence Investment of NATO Countries (2014-2026)WhereTable 1: Core defence expenditure, current prices, million national currency units, Canada (Canadian dollars), 2026e column (p. 5); p. 14 note: for Canada the year shown is the fiscal year that begins in itPublishedJuly 7, 2026CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceNATO estimate. NATO counts spending by all departments that meets its definition, not only National Defence.All sourcesfederal.defence.nato_core.fy2026-27 (NATO estimate). Every ally reports to NATO on the same definition, and National Defence puts it this way: “National Defence follows guidelines established by NATO and agreed to by Allies to ensure a common approach to defining defence expenditures.ReceiptNational Defence follows guidelines established by NATO and agreed to by Allies to ensure a common approach to defining defence expenditures.National Defence's briefing note for the Senate defence committee on how it counts defence spending for NATOActual · 2026-04-27SourceDepartment of National DefenceDocumentAppearance Before the Standing Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs (SECD): Mandate, Priorities, and NATO 2% - 27 April 2026WhereKey Issues, "North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Investment Pledge", response "If pressed on financial contributions by the Canadian Coast Guard to the NATO spending target"PublishedAugust 21, 2026CheckedOctober 5, 2026Open the sourceAll sourcesfederal.quote.dnd_nato_guidelines.2026-04-27” Interest costs less than that count, but more than the military money: National Defence's planned spending without the Coast Guard, Receipt$47,743,121,277The military money: National Defence's 2026-27 planned spending without the Coast GuardForecast · FY2026-27How we got itNational Defence's total − the Canadian Coast Guard's core responsibilitiesInputsfederal.defence.dnd_planned_spending.fy2026-27, federal.defence.ccg_spending.fy2026-27SourceDepartment of National DefenceDocument2026-27 Departmental Plan (National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces)WherePlanned spending and human resources, Table 10.2: Planned three-year spending on core responsibilities and internal services (dollars), 2026-27 column, "Total" row; also the Highlights: "total planned spending (including internal services) for DND/CAF is $51,703,553,000"PublishedMarch 13, 2026CheckedOctober 5, 2026Open the sourceSourceDepartment of National DefenceDocument2026-27 Departmental Plan (National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces)WherePlanned spending and human resources, Table 10.2: Planned three-year spending on core responsibilities and internal services (dollars), 2026-27 column, "Marine Navigation" rowPublishedMarch 13, 2026CheckedOctober 5, 2026Open the sourceSourceDepartment of National DefenceDocument2026-27 Departmental Plan (National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces)WherePlanned spending and human resources, Table 10.2: Planned three-year spending on core responsibilities and internal services (dollars), 2026-27 column, "Marine Operations and Response" rowPublishedMarch 13, 2026CheckedOctober 5, 2026Open the sourceAll sourcesfederal.defence.military_spending.fy2026-27.
The gap between the two is Receipt$23,773,878,723NATO's count of Canada's defence spending above the military money, 2026-27Forecast · FY2026-27How we got itNATO's count as Ottawa reports it − the military moneyInputsfederal.defence.nato_core.fy2026-27, federal.defence.military_spending.fy2026-27SourceNorth Atlantic Treaty OrganizationDocumentDefence Investment of NATO Countries (2014-2026)WhereTable 1: Core defence expenditure, current prices, million national currency units, Canada (Canadian dollars), 2026e column (p. 5); p. 14 note: for Canada the year shown is the fiscal year that begins in itPublishedJuly 7, 2026CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceSourceDepartment of National DefenceDocument2026-27 Departmental Plan (National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces)WherePlanned spending and human resources, Table 10.2: Planned three-year spending on core responsibilities and internal services (dollars), 2026-27 column, "Total" row; also the Highlights: "total planned spending (including internal services) for DND/CAF is $51,703,553,000"PublishedMarch 13, 2026CheckedOctober 5, 2026Open the sourceSourceDepartment of National DefenceDocument2026-27 Departmental Plan (National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces)WherePlanned spending and human resources, Table 10.2: Planned three-year spending on core responsibilities and internal services (dollars), 2026-27 column, "Marine Navigation" rowPublishedMarch 13, 2026CheckedOctober 5, 2026Open the sourceSourceDepartment of National DefenceDocument2026-27 Departmental Plan (National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces)WherePlanned spending and human resources, Table 10.2: Planned three-year spending on core responsibilities and internal services (dollars), 2026-27 column, "Marine Operations and Response" rowPublishedMarch 13, 2026CheckedOctober 5, 2026Open the sourceAll sourcesfederal.defence.nato_gap.fy2026-27, Receipt33.2%Share of NATO's count of Canada's defence spending that is not the military money, 2026-27Forecast · FY2026-27How we got itgap ÷ NATO's countInputsfederal.defence.nato_gap.fy2026-27, federal.defence.nato_core.fy2026-27SourceNorth Atlantic Treaty OrganizationDocumentDefence Investment of NATO Countries (2014-2026)WhereTable 1: Core defence expenditure, current prices, million national currency units, Canada (Canadian dollars), 2026e column (p. 5); p. 14 note: for Canada the year shown is the fiscal year that begins in itPublishedJuly 7, 2026CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceSourceDepartment of National DefenceDocument2026-27 Departmental Plan (National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces)WherePlanned spending and human resources, Table 10.2: Planned three-year spending on core responsibilities and internal services (dollars), 2026-27 column, "Total" row; also the Highlights: "total planned spending (including internal services) for DND/CAF is $51,703,553,000"PublishedMarch 13, 2026CheckedOctober 5, 2026Open the sourceSourceDepartment of National DefenceDocument2026-27 Departmental Plan (National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces)WherePlanned spending and human resources, Table 10.2: Planned three-year spending on core responsibilities and internal services (dollars), 2026-27 column, "Marine Navigation" rowPublishedMarch 13, 2026CheckedOctober 5, 2026Open the sourceSourceDepartment of National DefenceDocument2026-27 Departmental Plan (National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces)WherePlanned spending and human resources, Table 10.2: Planned three-year spending on core responsibilities and internal services (dollars), 2026-27 column, "Marine Operations and Response" rowPublishedMarch 13, 2026CheckedOctober 5, 2026Open the sourceAll sourcesfederal.defence.nato_gap_share.fy2026-27 of the count. NATO's definition admits more than the military: other departments, military pensionsReceiptRetirement pensions payments made directly by the government to retired military and civilian employees of military departments and for active personnel is included in the NATO defence expenditure definition.NATO's definition of defence expenditure, on pensionsActual · 2026SourceNorth Atlantic Treaty OrganizationDocumentDefence expenditures and NATO’s 5% commitmentWhereSection "What counts as NATO defence expenditure?"CheckedOctober 5, 2026Open the sourceAll sourcesfederal.quote.nato_pensions.2026 and the Coast Guard, which National Defence took in as a civilian agency in September 2025ReceiptOn September 2, 2025, the CCG was transferred to the Department of National Defence as a civilian Special Operating Agency through an Order in Council.National Defence on the Canadian Coast Guard's transfer into the departmentActual · 2025-09-02SourceDepartment of National DefenceDocumentIntegration of the Canadian Coast GuardWhereKey Issues, "Transfer of the Canadian Coast Guard through an Order in Council"PublishedApril 10, 2026CheckedOctober 5, 2026Open the sourceAll sourcesfederal.quote.dnd_ccg_transfer.2025-09-02. The two figures are also counted on different bases. The record does not split the gap.
Equalization Payments: $27.2BReceipt$27,160,000,000Equalization, total payments, 2026-27Actual · FY2026-27SourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentMajor federal transfersWhereTable "Federal Support to Provinces and Territories" (millions of dollars), "Equalization" row, 2026-27 columnPublishedDecember 11, 2025CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceEqualization is paid by the federal government from its general revenues; provincial governments pay nothing into it (Finance Canada, Equalization program).All sourcestransfers.equalization.total.fy2026-27
Ottawa pays Equalization out of general federal revenue, and provincial governments pay nothing into it. It takes Receipt4.6%Equalization as a share of federal expenses, 2026-27Forecast · FY2026-27How we got itEqualization payments ÷ total federal expensesInputstransfers.equalization.total.fy2026-27, federal.expenses.fy2026-27SourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentMajor federal transfersWhereTable "Federal Support to Provinces and Territories" (millions of dollars), "Equalization" row, 2026-27 columnPublishedDecember 11, 2025CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceSourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentSpring Economic Update 2026, Annex 1: Details of Economic and Fiscal ProjectionsWhereTable A1.9 The Expense Outlook, "Total expenses" row, 2026-2027 columnPublishedApril 28, 2026CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceEqualization is paid from federal general revenue, so roughly this share of each federal dollar goes to it.All sourcestransfers.equalization.share_of_federal_expenses.fy2026-27 of federal spending. Albertans' federal taxes help fund it like every Canadian's, and Alberta receives Receipt$0Equalization payment to Alberta, 2026-27Actual · FY2026-27SourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentMajor federal transfersWhereTable "Federal Support to Alberta" (millions of dollars), "Equalization" row, 2026-27 column (shown as "-", nil)PublishedDecember 11, 2025CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceReceives no Equalization payment this year.All sourcestransfers.equalization.ab.fy2026-27 in 2026-27, one of Receipt3Provinces receiving no Equalization, 2026-27Actual · FY2026-27How we got itnumber of provinces whose 2026-27 Equalization payment is zeroInputstransfers.equalization.nl.fy2026-27, transfers.equalization.pe.fy2026-27, transfers.equalization.ns.fy2026-27, transfers.equalization.nb.fy2026-27, transfers.equalization.qc.fy2026-27, transfers.equalization.on.fy2026-27, transfers.equalization.mb.fy2026-27, transfers.equalization.sk.fy2026-27, transfers.equalization.ab.fy2026-27, transfers.equalization.bc.fy2026-27SourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentMajor federal transfersWhereTable "Federal Support to Newfoundland and Labrador" (millions of dollars), "Equalization" row, 2026-27 columnPublishedDecember 11, 2025CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceSourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentMajor federal transfersWhereTable "Federal Support to Prince Edward Island" (millions of dollars), "Equalization" row, 2026-27 columnPublishedDecember 11, 2025CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceSourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentMajor federal transfersWhereTable "Federal Support to Nova Scotia" (millions of dollars), "Equalization" row, 2026-27 columnPublishedDecember 11, 2025CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceSourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentMajor federal transfersWhereTable "Federal Support to New Brunswick" (millions of dollars), "Equalization" row, 2026-27 columnPublishedDecember 11, 2025CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceSourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentMajor federal transfersWhereTable "Federal Support to Quebec" (millions of dollars), "Equalization" row, 2026-27 columnPublishedDecember 11, 2025CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceSourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentMajor federal transfersWhereTable "Federal Support to Ontario" (millions of dollars), "Equalization" row, 2026-27 columnPublishedDecember 11, 2025CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceSourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentMajor federal transfersWhereTable "Federal Support to Manitoba" (millions of dollars), "Equalization" row, 2026-27 columnPublishedDecember 11, 2025CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceSourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentMajor federal transfersWhereTable "Federal Support to Saskatchewan" (millions of dollars), "Equalization" row, 2026-27 column (shown as "-", nil)PublishedDecember 11, 2025CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceSourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentMajor federal transfersWhereTable "Federal Support to Alberta" (millions of dollars), "Equalization" row, 2026-27 column (shown as "-", nil)PublishedDecember 11, 2025CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceSourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentMajor federal transfersWhereTable "Federal Support to British Columbia" (millions of dollars), "Equalization" row, 2026-27 column (shown as "-", nil)PublishedDecember 11, 2025CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceAll sourcestransfers.equalization.provinces_without_payment.fy2026-27 provinces that get nothing.
| Receiving province | Amount | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Quebec | Receipt$13,907,000,000Equalization payment to Quebec, 2026-27Actual · FY2026-27SourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentMajor federal transfersWhereTable "Federal Support to Quebec" (millions of dollars), "Equalization" row, 2026-27 columnPublishedDecember 11, 2025CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceAll sourcestransfers.equalization.qc.fy2026-27 | 51.2% |
| Manitoba | Receipt$5,044,000,000Equalization payment to Manitoba, 2026-27Actual · FY2026-27SourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentMajor federal transfersWhereTable "Federal Support to Manitoba" (millions of dollars), "Equalization" row, 2026-27 columnPublishedDecember 11, 2025CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceAll sourcestransfers.equalization.mb.fy2026-27 | 18.6% |
| Nova Scotia | Receipt$3,538,000,000Equalization payment to Nova Scotia, 2026-27Actual · FY2026-27SourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentMajor federal transfersWhereTable "Federal Support to Nova Scotia" (millions of dollars), "Equalization" row, 2026-27 columnPublishedDecember 11, 2025CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceAll sourcestransfers.equalization.ns.fy2026-27 | 13.0% |
| New Brunswick | Receipt$3,360,000,000Equalization payment to New Brunswick, 2026-27Actual · FY2026-27SourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentMajor federal transfersWhereTable "Federal Support to New Brunswick" (millions of dollars), "Equalization" row, 2026-27 columnPublishedDecember 11, 2025CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceAll sourcestransfers.equalization.nb.fy2026-27 | 12.4% |
| Prince Edward Island | Receipt$723,000,000Equalization payment to Prince Edward Island, 2026-27Actual · FY2026-27SourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentMajor federal transfersWhereTable "Federal Support to Prince Edward Island" (millions of dollars), "Equalization" row, 2026-27 columnPublishedDecember 11, 2025CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceAll sourcestransfers.equalization.pe.fy2026-27 | 2.7% |
| Ontario | Receipt$406,000,000Equalization payment to Ontario, 2026-27Actual · FY2026-27SourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentMajor federal transfersWhereTable "Federal Support to Ontario" (millions of dollars), "Equalization" row, 2026-27 columnPublishedDecember 11, 2025CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceAll sourcestransfers.equalization.on.fy2026-27 | 1.5% |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Receipt$182,000,000Equalization payment to Newfoundland and Labrador, 2026-27Actual · FY2026-27SourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentMajor federal transfersWhereTable "Federal Support to Newfoundland and Labrador" (millions of dollars), "Equalization" row, 2026-27 columnPublishedDecember 11, 2025CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceAll sourcestransfers.equalization.nl.fy2026-27 | 0.7% |
| Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia | Receipt$0Equalization payment to Alberta, 2026-27Actual · FY2026-27SourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentMajor federal transfersWhereTable "Federal Support to Alberta" (millions of dollars), "Equalization" row, 2026-27 column (shown as "-", nil)PublishedDecember 11, 2025CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceReceives no Equalization payment this year.All sourcestransfers.equalization.ab.fy2026-27 | None |
Each share is the province's payment over the total, rounded to one decimal on its own, so the column may not add up exactly.
Quebec alone receives Receipt51.2%Quebec's share of Equalization, 2026-27Actual · FY2026-27How we got itEqualization to Quebec ÷ total EqualizationInputstransfers.equalization.qc.fy2026-27, transfers.equalization.total.fy2026-27SourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentMajor federal transfersWhereTable "Federal Support to Quebec" (millions of dollars), "Equalization" row, 2026-27 columnPublishedDecember 11, 2025CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceSourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentMajor federal transfersWhereTable "Federal Support to Provinces and Territories" (millions of dollars), "Equalization" row, 2026-27 columnPublishedDecember 11, 2025CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceAll sourcestransfers.equalization.qc_share.fy2026-27 of all Equalization payments: Receipt$13,907,000,000Equalization payment to Quebec, 2026-27Actual · FY2026-27SourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentMajor federal transfersWhereTable "Federal Support to Quebec" (millions of dollars), "Equalization" row, 2026-27 columnPublishedDecember 11, 2025CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceAll sourcestransfers.equalization.qc.fy2026-27 in 2026-27.
The Federal Workforce: Receipt$76,283,000,000Federal personnel expenses, excluding net actuarial losses, 2024-25Actual · FY2024-25SourceReceiver General for Canada (Public Services and Procurement Canada)DocumentPublic Accounts of Canada 2025, Volume I, Section 3: ExpensesWhereTable 3.9 Total expenses by object, "Personnel, excluding net actuarial losses" row, "Total expenses" column (millions of dollars)CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceAudited accrual expenses. The Parliamentary Budget Officer's earlier estimate for the same year (RP-2526-008-S, August 2025) was lower.All sourcesfederal.personnel.fy2024-25
Personnel costs across the federal government came to Receipt$76,283,000,000Federal personnel expenses, excluding net actuarial losses, 2024-25Actual · FY2024-25SourceReceiver General for Canada (Public Services and Procurement Canada)DocumentPublic Accounts of Canada 2025, Volume I, Section 3: ExpensesWhereTable 3.9 Total expenses by object, "Personnel, excluding net actuarial losses" row, "Total expenses" column (millions of dollars)CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceAudited accrual expenses. The Parliamentary Budget Officer's earlier estimate for the same year (RP-2526-008-S, August 2025) was lower.All sourcesfederal.personnel.fy2024-25 in 2024-25, the latest audited year.
Federal public servants, March 31, 2026
Receipt345,282Federal public service employees (core public administration and separate agencies)Actual · 2026-03-31SourceTreasury Board of Canada SecretariatDocumentPopulation of the Federal Public ServiceWhereTable "Population of the federal public service and Canada", March 31, 2026, total federal public servicePublishedJune 24, 2026CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceExcludes Canadian Armed Forces members, RCMP regular and civilian members, ministers' exempt staff, employees on leave without pay and locally engaged staff outside Canada.All sourcesfederal.public_service.headcount.2026-03-31
Canadians per public servant
Receipt120.8Canadians per federal public service employee, March 31, 2026Estimate · 2026-04-01How we got itpopulation of Canada on April 1, 2026 ÷ federal public service employees on March 31, 2026Inputspopulation.canada.2026-04-01, federal.public_service.headcount.2026-03-31SourceStatistics CanadaDocumentTable 17-10-0009-01 Population estimates, quarterlyWhereCanada (vector v1), April 1, 2026PublishedSeptember 23, 2026CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceSourceTreasury Board of Canada SecretariatDocumentPopulation of the Federal Public ServiceWhereTable "Population of the federal public service and Canada", March 31, 2026, total federal public servicePublishedJune 24, 2026CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceThe public service count excludes Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP members.All sourcesfederal.public_service.canadians_per_employee.2026-03-31
The public service count leaves out the Canadian Armed Forces and the RCMP.
Where Your Alberta Income Tax Goes
Alberta's 2026-27 budget by ministry, Receipt$83,922,000,000Government of Alberta total expense, 2026-27 (Budget 2026 estimate)Forecast · FY2026-27SourceGovernment of Alberta, Treasury Board and FinanceDocumentBudget 2026 Fiscal Plan 2026-29WhereOverview, "Budget 2026 Fiscal Summary" table, p. 17 (millions of dollars), "Total expense" row, 2026-27 Estimate columnPublishedFebruary 26, 2026CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceBudget 2026 estimate (February 26, 2026), since updated by the first-quarter forecast.All sourcesalberta.expense_budget.fy2026-27 (Budget 2026). The August first-quarter update forecasts Receipt$84,237,000,000Government of Alberta total expense, 2026-27 (first-quarter forecast)Forecast · FY2026-27SourceGovernment of Alberta, Treasury Board and FinanceDocument2026-27 First Quarter Fiscal Update and Economic StatementWherep. 3, "Fiscal Plan Summary" table (millions of dollars), 2026-27 Forecast column, "Total expense" rowPublishedAugust 27, 2026CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceFirst-quarter forecast (August 27, 2026). The 2026-27 forecast moved from a deficit at Budget 2026 to a surplus, mainly on higher oil prices.All sourcesalberta.expense.fy2026-27 of expense and a surplus of Receipt$2,041,000,000Government of Alberta surplus or deficit, 2026-27 (first-quarter forecast)Forecast · FY2026-27SourceGovernment of Alberta, Treasury Board and FinanceDocument2026-27 First Quarter Fiscal Update and Economic StatementWherep. 3, "Fiscal Plan Summary" table (millions of dollars), 2026-27 Forecast column, "Surplus / (deficit)" rowPublishedAugust 27, 2026CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceFirst-quarter forecast (August 27, 2026). The 2026-27 forecast moved from a deficit at Budget 2026 to a surplus, mainly on higher oil prices.All sourcesalberta.balance.fy2026-27.
| Line | 2026-27 | Share |
|---|---|---|
Health care Primary and preventive care, hospitals and surgery, mental health and addiction
| $28.5B | 34.0% |
Schools and child care Kindergarten to Grade 12 and child care | Receipt$13,436,000,000Alberta Education and Childcare expense, 2026-27 (Budget 2026)Forecast · FY2026-27SourceGovernment of Alberta, Treasury Board and FinanceDocumentBudget 2026 Fiscal Plan 2026-29WhereTables section, Schedule 3 "Statement of Operations", p. 150 (millions of dollars), "Education and Childcare" row, 2026-27 Estimate columnPublishedFebruary 26, 2026CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceIncludes K-12 schools and child care. Total expense of the ministry (operating expense, capital grants, amortization and other expense) as budgeted in Budget 2026 (February 2026). The first-quarter update of August 2026 revised Alberta's total expense for the year.All sourcesallocation.alberta.education_and_childcare.fy2026-27 | 16.0% |
Seniors, disability and social supports Continuing care and assisted living, AISH, income support and seniors benefits | Receipt$12,233,000,000Alberta Assisted Living and Social Services expense, 2026-27 (Budget 2026)Forecast · FY2026-27SourceGovernment of Alberta, Treasury Board and FinanceDocumentBudget 2026 Fiscal Plan 2026-29WhereTables section, Schedule 3 "Statement of Operations", p. 150 (millions of dollars), "Assisted Living and Social Services" row, 2026-27 Estimate columnPublishedFebruary 26, 2026CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceIncludes Assisted Living Alberta (continuing care) and income supports such as AISH, income support and the Alberta Seniors Benefit. Total expense of the ministry (operating expense, capital grants, amortization and other expense) as budgeted in Budget 2026 (February 2026). The first-quarter update of August 2026 revised Alberta's total expense for the year.All sourcesallocation.alberta.assisted_living_and_social_services.fy2026-27 | 14.6% |
All other ministries Treasury Board and Finance, Municipal Affairs, Technology and Innovation, Agriculture, Infrastructure and more
| $9.6B | 11.4% |
Post-secondary education Universities, colleges, polytechnics and student aid | Receipt$7,738,000,000Alberta Advanced Education expense, 2026-27 (Budget 2026)Forecast · FY2026-27SourceGovernment of Alberta, Treasury Board and FinanceDocumentBudget 2026 Fiscal Plan 2026-29WhereTables section, Schedule 3 "Statement of Operations", p. 150 (millions of dollars), "Advanced Education" row, 2026-27 Estimate columnPublishedFebruary 26, 2026CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceTotal expense of the ministry (operating expense, capital grants, amortization and other expense) as budgeted in Budget 2026 (February 2026). The first-quarter update of August 2026 revised Alberta's total expense for the year.All sourcesallocation.alberta.advanced_education.fy2026-27 | 9.2% |
Interest on Alberta's debt Debt servicing costs on provincial borrowing | Receipt$3,407,000,000Government of Alberta debt servicing costs, 2026-27 (Budget 2026 estimate)Forecast · FY2026-27SourceGovernment of Alberta, Treasury Board and FinanceDocumentBudget 2026 Fiscal Plan 2026-29WhereOverview, "Budget 2026 Fiscal Summary" table, p. 17 (millions of dollars), "Debt servicing costs" row, 2026-27 Estimate columnPublishedFebruary 26, 2026CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceBudget 2026 estimate (February 26, 2026), since updated by the first-quarter forecast.All sourcesalberta.debt_servicing_budget.fy2026-27 | 4.1% |
Roads and transportation Highways, transit grants and economic corridors | Receipt$2,998,000,000Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors expense, 2026-27 (Budget 2026)Forecast · FY2026-27SourceGovernment of Alberta, Treasury Board and FinanceDocumentBudget 2026 Fiscal Plan 2026-29WhereTables section, Schedule 3 "Statement of Operations", p. 150 (millions of dollars), "Transportation and Economic Corridors" row, 2026-27 Estimate columnPublishedFebruary 26, 2026CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceTotal expense of the ministry (operating expense, capital grants, amortization and other expense) as budgeted in Budget 2026 (February 2026). The first-quarter update of August 2026 revised Alberta's total expense for the year.All sourcesallocation.alberta.transportation_and_economic_corridors.fy2026-27 | 3.6% |
Police, courts and emergencies Public safety, emergency services, courts and prosecutions
| $2.3B | 2.7% |
Contingency Set aside for disasters and other costs not yet assigned to a ministry | Receipt$2,000,000,000Alberta contingency, 2026-27 (Budget 2026)Forecast · FY2026-27SourceGovernment of Alberta, Treasury Board and FinanceDocumentBudget 2026 Fiscal Plan 2026-29WhereTables section, Schedule 3 "Statement of Operations", p. 150 (millions of dollars), "Contingency (forecast unallocated)" row, 2026-27 Estimate columnPublishedFebruary 26, 2026CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceMoney set aside for costs not yet assigned to a ministry, such as disasters and emergencies.All sourcesallocation.alberta.contingency.fy2026-27 | 2.4% |
Children and family services Child intervention, foster care and family supports | Receipt$1,685,000,000Alberta Children and Family Services expense, 2026-27 (Budget 2026)Forecast · FY2026-27SourceGovernment of Alberta, Treasury Board and FinanceDocumentBudget 2026 Fiscal Plan 2026-29WhereTables section, Schedule 3 "Statement of Operations", p. 150 (millions of dollars), "Children and Family Services" row, 2026-27 Estimate columnPublishedFebruary 26, 2026CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceTotal expense of the ministry (operating expense, capital grants, amortization and other expense) as budgeted in Budget 2026 (February 2026). The first-quarter update of August 2026 revised Alberta's total expense for the year.All sourcesallocation.alberta.children_and_family_services.fy2026-27 | 2.0% |
Shares are rounded to one decimal so that the column adds up exactly, as in the calculator: the leftover tenths go to the largest remainders. That shows “All other ministries” as 11.4%, though it is 11.46% of the budget.
How Your Share Is Worked Out
- Your federal income tax is split across every line of Ottawa's 2026-27 plan in proportion to its share of total expenses, so all of it is accounted for.
- Your Alberta income tax is split the same way across Alberta's 2026-27 budget by ministry, including interest on Alberta's debt and the contingency.
- CPP contributions and EI premiums are not split: CPP goes to the Canada Pension Plan and EI premiums to the EI Operating Account. Neither is counted in the programs above.
- Borrowed on your behalf: your federal income tax × (deficit ÷ expenses), because Ottawa pays for Receipt11.0%Share of federal expenses paid for with borrowing (the deficit), 2026-27Forecast · FY2026-27How we got it−budgetary balance ÷ total expensesInputsforecasts.balance_projections.fy2026-27@2026-04-28, federal.expenses.fy2026-27SourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentSpring Economic Update 2026WhereAnnex 1, Table A1.7 (Summary Statement of Transactions), row "Spring Update 2026 budgetary balance", 2026–2027 columnPublishedApril 28, 2026CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceSourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentSpring Economic Update 2026, Annex 1: Details of Economic and Fiscal ProjectionsWhereTable A1.9 The Expense Outlook, "Total expenses" row, 2026-2027 columnPublishedApril 28, 2026CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceAll sourcesfederal.deficit_share_of_expenses.fy2026-27 of its spending with borrowing.
- Per-hour figures assume a standard 40-hour weekReceipt40Standard hours of work in a week (Canada Labour Code)Actual · 2026SourceGovernment of Canada, Justice Laws WebsiteDocumentCanada Labour Code (R.S.C., 1985, c. L-2)WhereSection 169(1)(a), Standard hours of work: eight hours in a day and forty hours in a week (current to 2026-09-21)CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceThe federal standard work week, the basis of drained.ca's working-hours convention (see the full-time year below).All sourcesbenchmarks.work_hours.standard_week.2026, 52 weeks a year.
Calculate Your Personal Contribution
Enter your income to see exactly how much you pay toward each line: seniors' benefits, debt interest, Equalization, Alberta's ministries and more.
See Where Your Money Goes→Frequently Asked Questions
Where do Canadian taxes go?
Ottawa plans $595.0 billionReceipt$595,000,000,000Federal total expenses, 2026-27Forecast · FY2026-27SourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentSpring Economic Update 2026, Annex 1: Details of Economic and Fiscal ProjectionsWhereTable A1.9 The Expense Outlook, "Total expenses" row, 2026-2027 columnPublishedApril 28, 2026CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceSpring Economic Update 2026 projection (the government's plan for the year).All sourcesfederal.expenses.fy2026-27 of spending in 2026-27. Transfer payments to people, provinces and organizations take 65.6%Receipt$390,600,000,000Federal transfer payments, all types, 2026-27Forecast · FY2026-27How we got itmajor transfers to persons + major transfers to provinces, territories and municipalities + pollution pricing proceeds returned + other transfer paymentsInputsfederal.major_transfers_to_persons.fy2026-27, federal.major_transfers_to_governments.fy2026-27, federal.pollution_pricing_proceeds.fy2026-27, federal.other_transfer_payments.fy2026-27SourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentSpring Economic Update 2026, Annex 1: Details of Economic and Fiscal ProjectionsWhereTable A1.9 The Expense Outlook, "Major transfers to persons: Total" row, 2026-2027 columnPublishedApril 28, 2026CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceSourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentSpring Economic Update 2026, Annex 1: Details of Economic and Fiscal ProjectionsWhereTable A1.9 The Expense Outlook, "Major transfers to provinces, territories, and municipalities: Total" row, 2026-2027 columnPublishedApril 28, 2026CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceSourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentSpring Economic Update 2026, Annex 1: Details of Economic and Fiscal ProjectionsWhereTable A1.9 The Expense Outlook, "Pollution pricing proceeds returned to Canadians" row, 2026-2027 columnPublishedApril 28, 2026CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceSourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentSpring Economic Update 2026, Annex 1: Details of Economic and Fiscal ProjectionsWhereTable A1.9 The Expense Outlook, "Direct program expenses: Other transfer payments" row, 2026-2027 columnPublishedApril 28, 2026CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceAll sourcesfederal.transfer_payments.fy2026-27, the operating costs of departments 24.5%source and interest on the debt 9.9%Receipt$58,700,000,000Federal public debt charges (interest on the debt), 2026-27Forecast · FY2026-27SourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentSpring Economic Update 2026, Annex 1: Details of Economic and Fiscal ProjectionsWhereTable A1.9 The Expense Outlook, "Public debt charges" row, 2026-2027 columnPublishedApril 28, 2026CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceSpring Economic Update 2026 projection (the government's plan for the year).All sourcesfederal.pdc.fy2026-27. The largest single programs are seniors' benefits ($89.3 billionReceipt$89,300,000,000Elderly benefits (Old Age Security, Guaranteed Income Supplement and Allowance), 2026-27Forecast · FY2026-27SourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentSpring Economic Update 2026, Annex 1: Details of Economic and Fiscal ProjectionsWhereTable A1.9 The Expense Outlook, "Elderly benefits" row, 2026-2027 columnPublishedApril 28, 2026CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceSpring Economic Update 2026 projection (the government's plan for the year).All sourcesfederal.elderly_benefits.fy2026-27), the Canada Health Transfer ($57.4 billionReceipt$57,419,000,000Canada Health Transfer, total, 2026-27Actual · FY2026-27SourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentMajor federal transfersWhereTable "Federal Support to Provinces and Territories" (millions of dollars), "Canada Health Transfer" row, 2026-27 columnPublishedDecember 11, 2025CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceAll sourcestransfers.cht.total.fy2026-27) and Employment Insurance benefits ($32.7 billionReceipt$32,700,000,000Employment Insurance benefits, 2026-27Forecast · FY2026-27SourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentSpring Economic Update 2026, Annex 1: Details of Economic and Fiscal ProjectionsWhereTable A1.9 The Expense Outlook, "Employment Insurance benefits" row, 2026-2027 columnPublishedApril 28, 2026CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceSpring Economic Update 2026 projection (the government's plan for the year).All sourcesfederal.ei_benefits.fy2026-27).
How much does Ottawa spend on health care?
The Canada Health Transfer to the provinces and territories is $57.4 billionReceipt$57,419,000,000Canada Health Transfer, total, 2026-27Actual · FY2026-27SourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentMajor federal transfersWhereTable "Federal Support to Provinces and Territories" (millions of dollars), "Canada Health Transfer" row, 2026-27 columnPublishedDecember 11, 2025CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceAll sourcestransfers.cht.total.fy2026-27 in 2026-27, plus $4.3 billionReceipt$4,300,000,000Health agreements with provinces and territories, 2026-27Forecast · FY2026-27SourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentSpring Economic Update 2026, Annex 1: Details of Economic and Fiscal ProjectionsWhereTable A1.9 The Expense Outlook, "Health agreements with provinces and territories" row, 2026-2027 columnPublishedApril 28, 2026CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceSpring Economic Update 2026 projection (the government's plan for the year).All sourcesfederal.health_agreements.fy2026-27 under health agreements with them. The provinces run health care.
How much does Canada spend on defence?
NATO's count, as Ottawa reports it, is $71.5 billionReceipt$71,517,000,000NATO's count of Canada's defence spending, as Ottawa reports it (core defence expenditure), 2026-27Estimate · FY2026-27SourceNorth Atlantic Treaty OrganizationDocumentDefence Investment of NATO Countries (2014-2026)WhereTable 1: Core defence expenditure, current prices, million national currency units, Canada (Canadian dollars), 2026e column (p. 5); p. 14 note: for Canada the year shown is the fiscal year that begins in itPublishedJuly 7, 2026CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceNATO estimate. NATO counts spending by all departments that meets its definition, not only National Defence.All sourcesfederal.defence.nato_core.fy2026-27 for 2026-27 (NATO estimate). Every ally reports to NATO on the same agreed definition, and it counts more than the military: other departments, military pensions and the Coast Guard. The military money is National Defence's planned spending of $51.7 billionReceipt$51,703,553,000National Defence's planned spending, 2026-27, including the Coast GuardForecast · FY2026-27SourceDepartment of National DefenceDocument2026-27 Departmental Plan (National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces)WherePlanned spending and human resources, Table 10.2: Planned three-year spending on core responsibilities and internal services (dollars), 2026-27 column, "Total" row; also the Highlights: "total planned spending (including internal services) for DND/CAF is $51,703,553,000"PublishedMarch 13, 2026CheckedOctober 5, 2026Open the sourcePlanned spending, including the Canadian Coast Guard, which joined National Defence on September 2, 2025.All sourcesfederal.defence.dnd_planned_spending.fy2026-27 without the $4.0 billionReceipt$3,960,431,723Canadian Coast Guard inside National Defence, 2026-27 planned spendingForecast · FY2026-27How we got itMarine Navigation + Marine Operations and ResponseInputsfederal.defence.ccg_marine_navigation.fy2026-27, federal.defence.ccg_marine_operations.fy2026-27SourceDepartment of National DefenceDocument2026-27 Departmental Plan (National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces)WherePlanned spending and human resources, Table 10.2: Planned three-year spending on core responsibilities and internal services (dollars), 2026-27 column, "Marine Navigation" rowPublishedMarch 13, 2026CheckedOctober 5, 2026Open the sourceSourceDepartment of National DefenceDocument2026-27 Departmental Plan (National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces)WherePlanned spending and human resources, Table 10.2: Planned three-year spending on core responsibilities and internal services (dollars), 2026-27 column, "Marine Operations and Response" rowPublishedMarch 13, 2026CheckedOctober 5, 2026Open the sourceThe Coast Guard's two core responsibilities in National Defence's Departmental Plan. Its share of the department's internal services is not shown separately, so it stays in the military money.All sourcesfederal.defence.ccg_spending.fy2026-27 it now includes for the Coast Guard, a civilian agency that joined it in September 2025: $47.7 billionReceipt$47,743,121,277The military money: National Defence's 2026-27 planned spending without the Coast GuardForecast · FY2026-27How we got itNational Defence's total − the Canadian Coast Guard's core responsibilitiesInputsfederal.defence.dnd_planned_spending.fy2026-27, federal.defence.ccg_spending.fy2026-27SourceDepartment of National DefenceDocument2026-27 Departmental Plan (National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces)WherePlanned spending and human resources, Table 10.2: Planned three-year spending on core responsibilities and internal services (dollars), 2026-27 column, "Total" row; also the Highlights: "total planned spending (including internal services) for DND/CAF is $51,703,553,000"PublishedMarch 13, 2026CheckedOctober 5, 2026Open the sourceSourceDepartment of National DefenceDocument2026-27 Departmental Plan (National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces)WherePlanned spending and human resources, Table 10.2: Planned three-year spending on core responsibilities and internal services (dollars), 2026-27 column, "Marine Navigation" rowPublishedMarch 13, 2026CheckedOctober 5, 2026Open the sourceSourceDepartment of National DefenceDocument2026-27 Departmental Plan (National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces)WherePlanned spending and human resources, Table 10.2: Planned three-year spending on core responsibilities and internal services (dollars), 2026-27 column, "Marine Operations and Response" rowPublishedMarch 13, 2026CheckedOctober 5, 2026Open the sourceAll sourcesfederal.defence.military_spending.fy2026-27. That leaves $23.8 billionReceipt$23,773,878,723NATO's count of Canada's defence spending above the military money, 2026-27Forecast · FY2026-27How we got itNATO's count as Ottawa reports it − the military moneyInputsfederal.defence.nato_core.fy2026-27, federal.defence.military_spending.fy2026-27SourceNorth Atlantic Treaty OrganizationDocumentDefence Investment of NATO Countries (2014-2026)WhereTable 1: Core defence expenditure, current prices, million national currency units, Canada (Canadian dollars), 2026e column (p. 5); p. 14 note: for Canada the year shown is the fiscal year that begins in itPublishedJuly 7, 2026CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceSourceDepartment of National DefenceDocument2026-27 Departmental Plan (National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces)WherePlanned spending and human resources, Table 10.2: Planned three-year spending on core responsibilities and internal services (dollars), 2026-27 column, "Total" row; also the Highlights: "total planned spending (including internal services) for DND/CAF is $51,703,553,000"PublishedMarch 13, 2026CheckedOctober 5, 2026Open the sourceSourceDepartment of National DefenceDocument2026-27 Departmental Plan (National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces)WherePlanned spending and human resources, Table 10.2: Planned three-year spending on core responsibilities and internal services (dollars), 2026-27 column, "Marine Navigation" rowPublishedMarch 13, 2026CheckedOctober 5, 2026Open the sourceSourceDepartment of National DefenceDocument2026-27 Departmental Plan (National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces)WherePlanned spending and human resources, Table 10.2: Planned three-year spending on core responsibilities and internal services (dollars), 2026-27 column, "Marine Operations and Response" rowPublishedMarch 13, 2026CheckedOctober 5, 2026Open the sourceAll sourcesfederal.defence.nato_gap.fy2026-27, or 33%Receipt33.2%Share of NATO's count of Canada's defence spending that is not the military money, 2026-27Forecast · FY2026-27How we got itgap ÷ NATO's countInputsfederal.defence.nato_gap.fy2026-27, federal.defence.nato_core.fy2026-27SourceNorth Atlantic Treaty OrganizationDocumentDefence Investment of NATO Countries (2014-2026)WhereTable 1: Core defence expenditure, current prices, million national currency units, Canada (Canadian dollars), 2026e column (p. 5); p. 14 note: for Canada the year shown is the fiscal year that begins in itPublishedJuly 7, 2026CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceSourceDepartment of National DefenceDocument2026-27 Departmental Plan (National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces)WherePlanned spending and human resources, Table 10.2: Planned three-year spending on core responsibilities and internal services (dollars), 2026-27 column, "Total" row; also the Highlights: "total planned spending (including internal services) for DND/CAF is $51,703,553,000"PublishedMarch 13, 2026CheckedOctober 5, 2026Open the sourceSourceDepartment of National DefenceDocument2026-27 Departmental Plan (National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces)WherePlanned spending and human resources, Table 10.2: Planned three-year spending on core responsibilities and internal services (dollars), 2026-27 column, "Marine Navigation" rowPublishedMarch 13, 2026CheckedOctober 5, 2026Open the sourceSourceDepartment of National DefenceDocument2026-27 Departmental Plan (National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces)WherePlanned spending and human resources, Table 10.2: Planned three-year spending on core responsibilities and internal services (dollars), 2026-27 column, "Marine Operations and Response" rowPublishedMarch 13, 2026CheckedOctober 5, 2026Open the sourceAll sourcesfederal.defence.nato_gap_share.fy2026-27 of NATO's count, that is not the military money. The record does not split that gap.
What is the federal deficit for 2026-27?
Ottawa plans a deficit of $65.3 billionReceipt-$65,300,000,000Federal budgetary balance for 2026-27, as projected in each document (negative = deficit)Forecast · 2026-04-28SourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentSpring Economic Update 2026WhereAnnex 1, Table A1.7 (Summary Statement of Transactions), row "Spring Update 2026 budgetary balance", 2026–2027 columnPublishedApril 28, 2026CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceEach point is the balance one document gave for this fiscal year; its period is the date that document was published. The last point is the audited result, the preliminary result or the PBO's independent projection, as labelled.All sourcesforecasts.balance_projections.fy2026-27@2026-04-28: $595.0 billionReceipt$595,000,000,000Federal total expenses, 2026-27Forecast · FY2026-27SourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentSpring Economic Update 2026, Annex 1: Details of Economic and Fiscal ProjectionsWhereTable A1.9 The Expense Outlook, "Total expenses" row, 2026-2027 columnPublishedApril 28, 2026CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceSpring Economic Update 2026 projection (the government's plan for the year).All sourcesfederal.expenses.fy2026-27 of spending against $529.6 billionReceipt$529,600,000,000Federal budgetary revenues, 2026-27Forecast · FY2026-27SourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentSpring Economic Update 2026, Annex 1: Details of Economic and Fiscal ProjectionsWhereTable A1.8 The Revenue Outlook, "Total budgetary revenues" row, 2026-2027 columnPublishedApril 28, 2026CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceSpring Economic Update 2026 projection (the government's plan for the year).All sourcesfederal.revenue.fy2026-27 of revenue (the published figures are rounded). That means 11.0%Receipt11.0%Share of federal expenses paid for with borrowing (the deficit), 2026-27Forecast · FY2026-27How we got it−budgetary balance ÷ total expensesInputsforecasts.balance_projections.fy2026-27@2026-04-28, federal.expenses.fy2026-27SourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentSpring Economic Update 2026WhereAnnex 1, Table A1.7 (Summary Statement of Transactions), row "Spring Update 2026 budgetary balance", 2026–2027 columnPublishedApril 28, 2026CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceSourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentSpring Economic Update 2026, Annex 1: Details of Economic and Fiscal ProjectionsWhereTable A1.9 The Expense Outlook, "Total expenses" row, 2026-2027 columnPublishedApril 28, 2026CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceAll sourcesfederal.deficit_share_of_expenses.fy2026-27 of what Ottawa spends is paid for with borrowing. Counting the cash that leaves outside the budget too, such as loans and investments, Ottawa must borrow $133.4 billionReceipt-$133,400,000,000Federal financial requirement in the Spring Economic Update 2026: the cash Ottawa must borrow (negative = borrowing)Forecast · FY2026-27SourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentSpring Economic Update 2026WhereAnnex 1, Table A1.10 (The Budgetary Balance, Non-Budgetary Transactions, and Financial Source/Requirement), row "Financial source (requirement)", 2026–2027 columnPublishedApril 28, 2026CheckedOctober 5, 2026Open the source2025-26 is an estimate: the year has ended, and the audited result comes with the Public Accounts. 2026-27 is the government's projection. Each equals the budgetary balance plus non-budgetary transactions, as in the Fiscal Reference Tables series.All sourcesforecasts.financial_requirement.spring-update-2026@FY2026-27 this year.
How much does Canada spend on Indigenous services?
Indigenous Services Canada and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada have $40.0 billionReceipt$39,970,446,891Indigenous Services Canada and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, 2026-27 spending authorities to dateForecast · FY2026-27How we got itIndigenous Services Canada + Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada spending authorities to dateInputsfederal.isc.estimates.fy2026-27, federal.cirnac.estimates.fy2026-27SourceTreasury Board of Canada SecretariatDocumentSupplementary Estimates (A), 2026-27WhereTable 3 Estimates by Organization, "Department of Indigenous Services", budgetary "Proposed Authorities To Date"CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceSourceTreasury Board of Canada SecretariatDocumentSupplementary Estimates (A), 2026-27WhereTable 3 Estimates by Organization, "Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs", budgetary "Proposed Authorities To Date"CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceAll sourcesfederal.isc_cirnac.estimates.fy2026-27 in spending authorities for 2026-27 so far, including settlements of past legal claims.
How much does the federal government spend on its employees?
Personnel costs across the federal government were $76.3 billionReceipt$76,283,000,000Federal personnel expenses, excluding net actuarial losses, 2024-25Actual · FY2024-25SourceReceiver General for Canada (Public Services and Procurement Canada)DocumentPublic Accounts of Canada 2025, Volume I, Section 3: ExpensesWhereTable 3.9 Total expenses by object, "Personnel, excluding net actuarial losses" row, "Total expenses" column (millions of dollars)CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceAudited accrual expenses. The Parliamentary Budget Officer's earlier estimate for the same year (RP-2526-008-S, August 2025) was lower.All sourcesfederal.personnel.fy2024-25 in 2024-25, the latest audited year. The federal public service had 345,282Receipt345,282Federal public service employees (core public administration and separate agencies)Actual · 2026-03-31SourceTreasury Board of Canada SecretariatDocumentPopulation of the Federal Public ServiceWhereTable "Population of the federal public service and Canada", March 31, 2026, total federal public servicePublishedJune 24, 2026CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceExcludes Canadian Armed Forces members, RCMP regular and civilian members, ministers' exempt staff, employees on leave without pay and locally engaged staff outside Canada.All sourcesfederal.public_service.headcount.2026-03-31 employees on March 31, 2026, not counting the Canadian Armed Forces or the RCMP.
How does drained.ca work out my share?
Your federal income tax is split across every line of Ottawa's 2026-27 planReceipt$595,000,000,000Federal total expenses, 2026-27Forecast · FY2026-27SourceDepartment of Finance CanadaDocumentSpring Economic Update 2026, Annex 1: Details of Economic and Fiscal ProjectionsWhereTable A1.9 The Expense Outlook, "Total expenses" row, 2026-2027 columnPublishedApril 28, 2026CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceSpring Economic Update 2026 projection (the government's plan for the year).All sourcesfederal.expenses.fy2026-27 in proportion to its share of total expenses, and your Alberta income tax across Alberta's 2026-27 budget by ministryReceipt$83,922,000,000Government of Alberta total expense, 2026-27 (Budget 2026 estimate)Forecast · FY2026-27SourceGovernment of Alberta, Treasury Board and FinanceDocumentBudget 2026 Fiscal Plan 2026-29WhereOverview, "Budget 2026 Fiscal Summary" table, p. 17 (millions of dollars), "Total expense" row, 2026-27 Estimate columnPublishedFebruary 26, 2026CheckedSeptember 28, 2026Open the sourceBudget 2026 estimate (February 26, 2026), since updated by the first-quarter forecast.All sourcesalberta.expense_budget.fy2026-27. CPP contributions and EI premiums are not split: they go to the Canada Pension Plan and the EI Operating Account.
Data Sources
- Department of Finance Canada: Spring Economic Update 2026, Annex 1: Details of Economic and Fiscal Projections
- Department of Finance Canada: Major federal transfers
- Department of National Defence: 2026-27 Departmental Plan (National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces)
- North Atlantic Treaty Organization: Defence Investment of NATO Countries (2014-2026)
- Department of National Defence: Integration of the Canadian Coast Guard
- Department of National Defence: Appearance Before the Standing Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs (SECD): Mandate, Priorities, and NATO 2% - 27 April 2026
- North Atlantic Treaty Organization: Defence expenditures and NATO’s 5% commitment
- Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat: Supplementary Estimates (A), 2026-27
- Receiver General for Canada (Public Services and Procurement Canada): Public Accounts of Canada 2025, Volume I, Section 3: Expenses
- Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat: Population of the Federal Public Service
- Statistics Canada: Table 17-10-0009-01 Population estimates, quarterly
- Government of Alberta, Treasury Board and Finance: Budget 2026 Fiscal Plan 2026-29
- Government of Alberta, Treasury Board and Finance: 2026-27 First Quarter Fiscal Update and Economic Statement
- Government of Canada, Justice Laws Website: Canada Labour Code (R.S.C., 1985, c. L-2)
Every figure on this page, with the table and page it comes from, is listed on our sources page.