General

Tories: Canada’s big government party

Federal spending has climbed 22 per cent under Harper Conservatives

Federal program spending has soared under the Conservatives, driven by billions in stimulus outlays and higher health care costs. The feds spent $270.5 billion in 2010-11, up from $222.2 billion in 2006-07—the Harper government’s first full year in power—an increase of 22 per cent. The Tories are now looking to chip away at those totals through a strategic operating review. Provincial health transfers, however, are slated to continue rising by six per cent annually until 2013-2014.

Postmedia News

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