Government spending

The government's budgetary expenditure should total $51 907 million in 2002-2003. Operating expenditure will amount to $44 713 million, while debt service will total $7 194 million.

Operating expenditure includes the program spending of government departments and the expenditures of consolidated organizations. Similarly, debt service includes the debt service of the Consolidated Revenue Fund and that of consolidated organizations.

In 2003-2004, program spending will increase at a rate of 2.4%, which is in keeping with the government's objective of maintaining a balanced budget.

The ratio of the government's program spending to GDP should continue to fall, to 18.1% in 2003-2004, the lowest level in at least 30 years.