Carney unveils first budget: major spending, deep deficit, and public sector cuts aim to drive “Generational” growth

November 4, 2025

RED FM News Desk

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s first federal budget is being described by the government as a generational plan to strengthen Canada’s infrastructure and productivity during a time of global uncertainty and trade disruption.

The main question now is whether Carney’s decision to run a large deficit while cutting public service jobs will gain support from opposition parties or lead to another federal election later this year.

Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne said the budget responds to an era of rapid and unprecedented change. He explained that Canada needs to make major, long-term investments to face current challenges and prepare for the future.

The 2025 budget includes $141.4 billion in new spending over five years, partly offset by $51.7 billion in planned savings. The government expects a deficit of $78.3 billion this year.

Key areas of investment include:

  • $115 billion for infrastructure projects
  • $30 billion for defence and national security
  • $25 billion for federal housing initiatives

The budget also includes $110 billion over five years for programs aimed at improving productivity and competitiveness, with the goal of attracting $500 billion in private sector investment by 2030.

According to the budget, Canada is at a “crossroads.” The government argues that recent global shocks require more than short-term measures and call for bold, long-term investments to secure future prosperity.

The projected deficit of $78.3 billion is significantly higher than the $42.2 billion deficit forecast in the final fiscal update from December 2024 under the previous Liberal government.

Carney’s fiscal plan comes amid global uncertainty and a weak economic outlook, raising questions about whether his approach will set the stage for future growth or deepen the country’s financial challenges.