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OverviewMay 2, 2006 IntroductionBudget 2006 is about focusing on priorities, delivering real results for people in a fiscally responsible way while laying a solid foundation for the future. In Budget 2006, the Government is keeping its word to Canadians and implementing its five core commitments, building a better Canada through measures in the following areas:
Economic OutlookThe Canadian economy recorded solid growth in 2005, largely driven by healthy increases in domestic demand. Private sector forecasters project that the economy will grow by 3 per cent in 2006 and 2.7 per cent in 2007. The risks to the Canadian economy remain largely external: uncertainty over commodity prices; the risk of a sudden correction in U.S. house prices; and the risk that the Canadian dollar may appreciate further in response to adjustments to global imbalances. Fiscal ProspectsFor 2005–06 the federal surplus is estimated at $8 billion. Starting with the current fiscal year, the Government is planning to reduce the debt by $3 billion each year.Budget 2006 reduces taxes across the board and proposes targeted cuts to address specific priorities. As a result, revenues as a share of gross domestic product (GDP) are projected to decline from 16.4 per cent in 2004–05 to 15.5 per cent in 2007–08. The Government is committed to reducing growth in federal spending to a more sustainable level. Program expenses are expected to grow by 5.4 per cent in 2006–07 and 4.1 per cent in 2007–08, below the rate of growth of nominal GDP. Program expenses as a share of GDP are projected to decline from 13.7 per cent in 2004–05 to 13 per cent in 2007–08.
AccountabilityBudget 2006 builds on the reforms of the Federal Accountability Action Plan by providing a more transparent budget-planning framework and a firm commitment to reining in spending growth. Specifically:
The Government is committed to restraining the rate of growth of spending through a new approach to expenditure management focused on results and value for money. The President of the Treasury Board will identify $1 billion of savings in 2006–07 and 2007–08, and report in the fall. OpportunityCanadians pay too much tax. Budget 2006 delivers more tax relief to individuals than the last four federal budgets combined, and will remove 655,000 low-income Canadians from the tax rolls altogether. By reducing the GST to 6 per cent effective July 1, 2006, the Government is fulfilling its commitment to lower the tax burden of Canadians. Other measures include:
A More Productive, Competitive EconomyCanada’s economic performance in recent years has been strong, but future success cannot be taken for granted. Budget 2006 proposes several measures to make the economy more productive and competitive for the benefit of all Canadians, especially in areas such as the taxation of individuals and businesses, infrastructure, education and training, research and development, and immigration. It also sets the stage for action in future budgets for a results-focused agenda to promote even greater competitiveness and productivity, including through the strengthening of Canada’s economic union. Families and CommunitiesBudget 2006 invests in Canadian families and communities, making communities better places to work, play and grow. Child CareThe Government will help Canadian families balance work and family life through the Universal Child Care Benefit, which will provide all families with $100 per month for each child under age 6, effective July 1, 2006. This benefit will not reduce federal income-tested benefits. This budget sets aside $250 million per year, beginning in 2007–08, to support the creation of new, real child care spaces. Children’s Fitness Tax CreditBudget 2006 proposes to introduce a tax credit to promote physical fitness among children, effective January 1, 2007. The credit will be provided on up to $500 in eligible fees for programs of physical activity for each child under age 16. The Government will consult with a small group of experts in health and physical fitness to determine which programs should be eligible for the credit. Enhanced Assistance for Persons With DisabilitiesThe Government will increase the maximum annual Child Disability Benefit to $2,300 from $2,044, effective July 1, 2006, and will make it available to middle- and higher-income families. It will also boost the maximum amount of the refundable medical expense supplement to $1,000 from $767 for the 2006 tax year. Canadian Strategy for Cancer ControlAn investment of $52 million per year will allow the Public Health Agency of Canada and Health Canada to work with partners to implement the Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control. Pensions—Tax Relief to PensionersThe maximum amount of eligible pension income that can be claimed under the pension income credit will be increased to $2,000, effective for the 2006 and subsequent taxation years. This increase, the first since 1975, will benefit nearly 2.7 million taxpayers receiving qualifying pension income and remove 85,000 pensioners from the tax rolls. Pensions—Private Defined Benefit PlansThe Government will strengthen private defined benefit pension plans by proposing four temporary measures to help re-establish full funding of federally regulated defined benefit pension plans in an orderly fashion, with safeguards for promised pension benefits. Aboriginal CommunitiesIn addition to setting aside $2.2 billion to address the legacy of residential schools, investments in Canada’s Aboriginal communities include:
Helping Immigrants Get StartedBudget 2006 delivers on the Government’s commitment to reduce the Right of Permanent Residence Fee to $490 from $975, effective immediately. Over the next two years it will also provide $307 million to enhance immigration settlement programs and services, and take steps to create a Canadian agency for assessment and recognition of foreign credentials. Public Transit for a Cleaner, Healthier EnvironmentThe Government will provide up to $1.3 billion in support of public transit infrastructure and will encourage public transit usage by providing a tax credit on the purchase of monthly transit passes. Investments in Infrastructure$5.5 billion over four years will go towards a new Highways and Border Infrastructure Fund, Canada’s Pacific Gateway Initiative, the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund, the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund and a Public Transit Capital Trust. Donations to CharitiesTo encourage charitable giving, Budget 2006 exempts donations of publicly listed securities to public charities from capital gains tax, effective immediately. SecurityBudget 2006 acts to protect Canadians on their streets and in their communities, at their national borders and throughout the world. It will do this by:
Restoring Fiscal BalanceIn Budget 2006, the Government is committing to restore fiscal balance by building a stronger, more cooperative federation through a new, more open federalism. Budget 2006 sets out immediate action the Government is taking to address concerns about fiscal imbalance, with:
How Can I Get More Information on Budget 2006?Information is available on the Internet at www.fin.gc.ca or by phoning: 1 800 O-Canada (1 800 622-6232) You can also obtain copies of this brochure and other budget documents from the: Distribution Centre Ce document est également offert en français. |
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