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- Fiscal Monitor 2003 -
The Fiscal Monitor
Highlights of financial results for January 2003
Highlights
January 2003: budgetary surplus of $18 million
There was a budgetary surplus of $18 million in January 2003, compared to a surplus of $132 million in January 2002. On a year-over-year basis, budgetary revenues advanced by $471 million, or 3.4 per cent, while program spending was up $392 million, or 3.5 per cent, and public debt charges increased by $193 million, or 7.2 per cent.
April 2002 to January 2003: budgetary surplus of $11.2 billion
The budgetary surplus was estimated at $11.2 billion for the April 2002 to January 2003 period, down $4.1 billion from the surplus of $15.3 billion reported in the same period of 2001–02. The decline in the year-over-year surplus is largely attributable to developments affecting personal and corporate income tax revenues with respect to the 2001 tax year. This deterioration reflects the decline in the stock market in 2001, which resulted in higher refunds and lower settlement payments in April and May 2002, and higher corporate income tax refunds, as corporations are applying losses experienced in 2001 to taxes paid in previous years. The results for 2002–03 are also affected by stronger-than-expected goods and services tax (GST) revenue growth, which is due to both timing factors and a decline in GST refunds. It is expected that over the balance of the year, GST refunds will more closely reflect changes in gross collections, bringing net GST revenues more in line with the growth in the applicable GST tax base.
The monthly financial results are presented on a modified accrual basis of accounting. The Budget 2003 estimate for the year as a whole was presented on a full accrual basis of accounting. Taking the accounting differences and the impact of the policy initiatives for 2002–03 proposed in the budget into consideration, the results to date are consistent with the expected outcome for 2002–03 as set out in Budget 2003. The Fiscal Monitor will present monthly results on a full accrual basis beginning with the April 2003 Fiscal Monitor. | ![Chart 1 - Monthly surplus and deficit](/web/20061130052625im_/http://www.fin.gc.ca/FISCMON/images/2003-01_1e.gif)
![Chart 2 - Revenues and expenditures](/web/20061130052625im_/http://www.fin.gc.ca/FISCMON/images/2003-01_2e.gif)
Table 1 Summary statement of transactions
|
|
January |
April to January |
|
2002 |
2003 |
2001–02 |
2002–03 |
|
|
($ millions) |
Budgetary transactions |
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
13,908 |
14,379 |
145,638 |
144,108 |
Program spending |
-11,109 |
-11,501 |
-98,083 |
-103,569 |
Operating surplus |
2,799 |
2,878 |
47,555 |
40,539 |
Public debt charges |
-2,667 |
-2,860 |
-32,280 |
-29,357 |
Budgetary balance (deficit/surplus) |
132 |
18 |
15,275 |
11,182 |
Non-budgetary transactions |
949 |
2,912 |
-14,746 |
-15,020 |
Financial requirements/source (excluding
foreign exchange transactions) |
1,081 |
2,930 |
529 |
-3,838 |
Foreign exchange transactions |
152 |
-1 |
-491 |
1,290 |
Net financial balance |
-1,233 |
2,929 |
38 |
-2,548 |
Net change in borrowings |
-1,781 |
-1,938 |
-8,780 |
-4,582 |
Net change in cash balances |
-548 |
991 |
-8,742 |
-7,130 |
Cash balance at end of period |
|
|
4,442 |
4,822 |
|
Note: Positive numbers indicate a net
source of funds. Negative numbers indicate a net requirement for
funds.
Estimates for 2001–02 have been revised from those previously
published. |
January 2003: budgetary results
On a year-over-year basis, the budgetary surplus declined by $114 million to $18 million in January 2003. Budgetary revenues, however, increased by $0.5 billion, or 3.4 per cent.
- Corporate income tax revenues were down marginally, as lower
instalment payments were largely offset by lower refunds.
- Employment insurance (EI) premium revenues were up $68 million, or
4.9 per cent, as the impact of the growth in the number of people employed
and therefore paying premiums offset the effect of the decline in
premium rates (the employee rate for 2003 is $2.10 per $100 of
insurable earnings compared to $2.20 in 2002).
- Excise taxes and duties were down marginally, as lower GST revenues
more than offset increases in customs import duties and other excise
taxes and duties, as well as the introduction of the Air Travellers
Security Charge. The decline in net GST revenues is attributable to an
increase in refunds, as gross collections increased, broadly in line with
the increase in consumer expenditures. The increase in customs import
duties is due to the timing of receipts between December and January,
while the advance in other excise taxes and duties reflects the increase
in tobacco taxes.
- Non-tax revenues were up 3.2 per cent on a year-over-year
basis.
On a year-over-year basis, program spending was up $0.4 billion, or 3.5 per cent.
- Transfers to persons declined 1.4 per cent, attributable to lower
EI benefits, reflecting a decline in the number of persons unemployed.
Elderly benefit payments were up 4.2 per cent.
- Transfers to other levels of government were up 6.6 per cent,
primarily reflecting higher cash transfers under the Canada Health
and Social Transfer (CHST). This increase reflects the September 2000
agreement reached by first ministers to increase base funding from
$17.3 billion in 2001–02 to $18.6 billion in 2002–03.
- Direct program spending, consisting of total program spending less
transfers to persons and other levels of government, was up $0.3 billion,
or 5.7 per cent. The monthly fluctuations in this component are due in
large part to the timing of payments.
Public debt charges, on a year-over year basis, increased $0.2 billion, or 7.2 per cent, due to adjustments made to the 2001–02 estimates to bring them more in line with the final outcome for the year as a whole.
Table 2 Budgetary revenues
|
|
January |
|
April to January |
|
|
2002 |
2003 |
Change |
2001–02 |
2002–03 |
Change |
|
|
($ millions) |
(%)
|
($ millions) |
(%)
|
Income taxes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Personal income tax |
6,355 |
6,669 |
4.9 |
71,391 |
68,118 |
-4.6 |
Corporate income tax |
1,649 |
1,631 |
-1.1 |
18,461 |
15,402 |
-16.6 |
Other income tax revenue |
554 |
665 |
20.0 |
3,207 |
3,424 |
6.8 |
Total income tax |
8,558 |
8,965 |
4.8 |
93,059 |
86,944 |
-6.6 |
Employment insurance premium revenues |
1,374 |
1,442 |
4.9 |
14,371 |
14,474 |
0.7 |
Excise taxes and duties |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Goods and services tax |
2,474 |
2,324 |
-6.1 |
21,664 |
25,024 |
15.5 |
Customs import duties |
186 |
254 |
36.6 |
2,432 |
2,663 |
9.5 |
Other excise taxes and duties |
719 |
748 |
4.0 |
7,299 |
7,937 |
8.7 |
Air Travellers Security Charge |
|
30 |
|
|
295 |
|
Total excise taxes and duties |
3,379 |
3,356 |
-0.7 |
31,395 |
35,919 |
14.4 |
Total tax revenues |
13,311 |
13,763 |
3.4 |
138,825 |
137,337 |
-1.1 |
Non-tax revenues |
597 |
616 |
3.2 |
6,813 |
6,771 |
-0.6 |
Total budgetary revenues |
13,908 |
14,379 |
3.4 |
145,638 |
144,108 |
-1.1 |
|
April 2002 to January 2003: budgetary results
Over the first 10 months of fiscal year 2002–03, the budgetary surplus was estimated at $11.2 billion, compared to a surplus of $15.3 billion reported in the same period of 2001–02. This decline reflects lower budgetary revenues, largely attributable to developments related to the 2001 tax year, and higher program spending. In contrast, public debt charges were lower.
Over the first 10 months of 2002–03, budgetary revenues were down $1.5 billion, or 1.1 per cent, on a year-over-year basis. Among the major components:
- Personal income tax collections were down $3.3 billion, or 4.6 per cent. Virtually all of this decline is attributable to lower
final tax payments and higher refunds with respect to the 2001 tax year,
reflecting weakness in the stock market and the associated lower net
capital gains realizations. Quarterly instalment payments were also lower,
as these payments are now largely based on tax liabilities for 2001.
However, it should be noted that the results for the same period in 2001
were affected by the extraordinary stock market gains in 2000, which
resulted in record final tax settlement payments in April and May 2001. On
a full accrual basis of accounting, these impacts will be recorded in the
year in which the taxable activity took place. The results to date were
also dampened by the impact of the tax reduction measures
announced in the February 2000 budget and October 2000 Economic
Statement and Budget Update. Partially offsetting these impacts were
higher taxes associated with increases in employment income.
- Corporate income tax revenues were down $3.1 billion, or 16.6 per cent, primarily due to higher refunds pertaining to previous years’
taxes paid.
- EI premium revenues were virtually unchanged, as lower premium
rates offset the impact of the growth in the number of people employed and
therefore paying premiums.
- Excise taxes and duties increased by $4.5 billion, or 14.4 per
cent, primarily reflecting higher GST revenues, customs import duties and
tobacco excise taxes and duties, as well as the introduction of the Air
Travellers Security Charge. GST revenues were up 15.5 per cent
compared to an increase in the applicable tax base—consumer expenditures—of
about 6 per cent. The difference in growth rates is largely attributable
to refunds which, prior to January 2003, were lower than in the same
period last year. Over the balance of the fiscal year, GST refunds are
expected to more closely reflect the changes in gross GST
collections, bringing net GST revenues more in line with the growth
in the applicable GST tax base.
- Non-tax revenues were down 0.6 per cent from the same period last
year.
Table 3 Budgetary expenditures
|
|
January |
|
April to January |
|
|
2002 |
2003 |
Change |
2001–02 |
2002–03 |
Change
|
|
|
($ millions) |
(%)
|
($ millions) |
(%)
|
Transfer payments to: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Persons |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Elderly benefits |
2,140 |
2,230 |
4.2 |
21,066 |
21,872 |
3.8 |
Employment insurance
benefits |
1,548 |
1,407 |
-9.1 |
11,091 |
11,646 |
5.0 |
Total |
3,688 |
3,637 |
-1.4 |
32,157 |
33,518 |
4.2 |
Other levels of government |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Canada Health and Social
Transfer |
1,442 |
1,550 |
7.5 |
14,416 |
15,500 |
7.5 |
Fiscal transfers |
1,034 |
1,052 |
1.7 |
10,397 |
10,431 |
0.3 |
Alternative Payments for
Standing Programs |
-233 |
-210 |
-9.9 |
-2,098 |
-2,101 |
0.1 |
Total |
2,243 |
2,392 |
6.6 |
22,715 |
23,830 |
4.9 |
Direct program spending |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subsidies and other transfers |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Agriculture |
43 |
328 |
662.8 |
609 |
694 |
14.0 |
Foreign Affairs |
243 |
225 |
-7.4 |
1,411 |
1,285 |
-8.9 |
Health |
145 |
192 |
32.4 |
1,075 |
1,244 |
15.7 |
Human Resources Development |
370 |
116 |
-68.6 |
1,378 |
1,207 |
-12.4 |
Indian and Northern
Development |
299 |
393 |
31.4 |
3,354 |
3,388 |
1.0 |
Industry and Regional
Development |
71 |
152 |
114.1 |
1,183 |
1,482 |
25.3 |
Veterans Affairs |
138 |
147 |
6.5 |
1,268 |
1,410 |
11.2 |
Other |
383 |
494 |
29.0 |
2,081 |
2,172 |
4.4 |
Total |
1,692 |
2,047 |
21.0 |
12,359 |
12,882 |
4.2 |
Payments to Crown corporations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Canadian Broadcasting
Corporation |
65 |
78 |
20.0 |
916 |
914 |
-0.2 |
Canada Mortgage and
Housing Corporation |
158 |
159 |
0.6 |
1,680 |
1,578 |
-6.1 |
Other |
205 |
164 |
-20.0 |
1,585 |
1,655 |
4.4 |
Total |
428 |
401 |
-6.3 |
4,181 |
4,147 |
-0.8 |
Operating and capital expenditures |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Defence |
1,086 |
699 |
-35.6 |
7,820 |
7,986 |
2.1 |
All other departmental
expenditures |
1,972 |
2,325 |
17.9 |
18,851 |
21,206 |
12.5 |
Total |
3,058 |
3,024 |
-1.1 |
26,671 |
29,192 |
9.5 |
Total direct program spending |
5,178 |
5,472 |
5.7 |
43,211 |
46,221 |
7.0 |
Total program expenditures |
11,109 |
11,501 |
3.5 |
98,083 |
103,569 |
5.6 |
Public debt charges |
2,667 |
2,860 |
7.2 |
32,280 |
29,357 |
-9.1 |
Total budgetary expenditures |
13,776 |
14,361 |
4.2 |
130,363 |
132,926 |
2.0 |
Memorandum item: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total transfers |
7,623 |
8,076 |
5.9 |
67,231 |
70,230 |
4.5 |
|
Over the first 10 months of 2002–03, program spending increased by $5.5 billion, or 5.6 per cent, compared to the same period of 2001–02.
- Transfers to persons were up 4.2 per cent, reflecting both higher
elderly and EI benefits. The increase in elderly benefits reflects the
increase in the number of people eligible to receive benefits as well
as higher average benefits, which are adjusted quarterly to reflect
changes in consumer prices. The increase in EI benefits is
attributable to the lagged effects of the economic slowdown in 2001
and the impact of program enhancements, including the extension of
and related changes to parental benefits.
- Transfers to other levels of government were up 4.9 per cent due to
higher cash transfers under the CHST. Entitlements under the fiscal
transfer programs were unchanged, primarily reflecting the timing of
payments.
- Direct program spending increased by 7.0 per cent.
Subsidies and other transfers were up 4.2 per cent, primarily due to
higher payments to farmers and veterans as well as increased transfers to
the granting councils for university research activities. Payments to
Crown corporations were down slightly, primarily reflecting the timing of
payments. Departmental and agency operating and capital spending was up
9.5 per cent, in part due to the implementation of initiatives announced
in the December 2001 budget.
Public debt charges declined by $2.9 billion, or 9.1 per cent, reflecting a decline in the stock of interest-bearing debt as well as a lower average effective interest rate on that debt.
Table 4 The budgetary balance and financial requirements/source
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|
January |
April to January |
|
2002 |
2003 |
2001–02 |
2002–03 |
|
|
($ millions) |
Budgetary balance (deficit/surplus) |
132 |
18 |
15,275 |
11,182 |
Loans, investments and advances |
|
|
|
|
Crown corporations |
46 |
10 |
544 |
354 |
Other |
-208 |
-353 |
-1,338 |
-1,338 |
Total |
-162 |
-343 |
-794 |
-984 |
Specified purpose accounts |
|
|
|
|
Canada Pension Plan Account |
320 |
344 |
-1,720 |
-924 |
Superannuation accounts |
-789 |
-175 |
-2,213 |
-614 |
Other |
50 |
338 |
106 |
165 |
Total |
-419 |
507 |
-3,827 |
-1,373 |
Other transactions |
1,530 |
2,748 |
-10,125 |
-12,663 |
Total non-budgetary transactions |
949 |
2,912 |
-14,746 |
-15,020 |
Financial requirements/source (excluding
foreign exchange transactions) |
1,081 |
2,930 |
529 |
-3,838 |
Foreign exchange transactions |
152 |
-1 |
-491 |
1,290 |
Net financial balance |
1,233 |
2,929 |
38 |
-2,548 |
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Table 5 Net financial balance and net borrowings
|
|
January |
April to January |
|
2002 |
2003 |
2001–02 |
2002–03 |
|
|
($ millions) |
Net financial balance |
1,233 |
2,929 |
38 |
-2,548 |
Net increase (+)/decrease (-) in
borrowings |
|
|
|
|
Payable in Canadian dollars |
|
|
|
|
Marketable bonds |
364 |
-460 |
-5,497 |
-9,317 |
Canada Savings Bonds |
-118 |
-44 |
-2,737 |
-1,701 |
Treasury bills |
-1,200 |
-1,350 |
5,100 |
8,800 |
Other |
-25 |
-1 |
-47 |
-19 |
Total |
-979 |
-1,855 |
-3,181 |
-2,237 |
Payable in foreign currencies |
|
|
|
|
Marketable bonds |
0 |
9 |
-1,576 |
-1,579 |
Notes and loans |
-473 |
|
-514 |
|
Canada bills |
-329 |
-92 |
-3,336 |
-766 |
Canada notes |
0 |
0 |
-173 |
0 |
Total |
-802 |
-83 |
-5,599 |
-2,345 |
Net change in borrowings |
-1,781 |
-1,938 |
-8,780 |
-4,582 |
Change in cash balance |
-548 |
991 |
-8,742 |
-7,130 |
|
Financial requirement of $3.8 billion (excluding foreign exchange
transactions) for April 2002 to January 2003
The monthly budgetary balance in The Fiscal Monitor continues to be presented on a modified accrual basis of accounting, recording government liabilities when they are incurred, regardless of when the cash payment is made. In addition, the budgetary balance includes only those activities over which the Government has legislative control.
In contrast, financial requirements/source measures the difference between cash coming in to the Government and cash going out. Financial requirements/source differs from the budgetary balance as the former includes transactions in loans, investments and advances, federal employees’ pension accounts, other specified purpose accounts, and changes in other financial assets and liabilities. These activities are included as part of non-budgetary transactions. The conversion from accrual to cash is also reflected in non-budgetary transactions. Non-budgetary transactions resulted in a net requirement of $15.0 billion in the first 10 months of 2002–03, compared to a net requirement of $14.7 billion in the same period of 2001–02.
As a result, with a budgetary surplus of $11.2 billion and a net requirement of $15.0 billion from non-budgetary transactions, there was a financial requirement (excluding foreign exchange transactions) of $3.8 billion in the April 2002 to January 2003 period, compared to a source of $0.5 billion in the same period of 2001–02.
Net financial requirement of $2.5 billion for April 2002 to January
2003
Foreign exchange transactions represent all transactions in international reserves held in the Exchange Fund Account (EFA). The objectives of the EFA are to provide general foreign currency liquidity for the Government and promote orderly conditions in the foreign exchange market. The EFA contains foreign currency investments, the Government’s gold holdings and assets related to Canada’s commitment to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Increases in the level of the reserves through borrowings, contributions to the IMF, and/or selling of Canadian dollars represent a requirement. Conversely, decreases in the level of reserves represent a source of funds. Taking all of these factors into account, there was a net source of $1.3 billion in the first 10 months of 2002–03, compared to a net requirement of $0.5 billion in the same period of 2001–02.
With a budgetary surplus of $11.2 billion, a net requirement of $15.0 billion from non-budgetary transactions and a net source of $1.3 billion from foreign exchange transactions, there was a net financial requirement of $2.5 billion in the April 2002 to January 2003 period, compared to a net source of $38 million in the same period of 2001–02.
Net borrowings down $4.6 billion for April 2002 to January 2003
To finance this net financial requirement of $2.5 billion, the Government reduced its cash balances by $7.1 billion. This also allowed it to reduce its net borrowings by $4.6 billion. The level of cash balances varies from month to month based on a number of factors including periodic large debt maturities, which can be quite volatile on a monthly basis.
![Chart 3 - Budgetary balance](/web/20061130052625im_/http://www.fin.gc.ca/FISCMON/images/2003-01_3e.gif)
![Chart 4 - Federal debt (accumulated deficit)](/web/20061130052625im_/http://www.fin.gc.ca/FISCMON/images/2003-01_4e.gif)
Note to readers:
The Government has implemented full accrual accounting in its annual financial statements. However, the monthly financial results for the balance of fiscal year 2002–03 will remain on a modified accrual basis of accounting. Until the monthly results are on full accrual, Table 6 "Condensed statement of assets and liabilities" will not be presented.
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