A Canadian flag flies on under the Peace Tower in Ottawa on March 3, 2010. Ottawa says it posted a $6.7-billion deficit in March 2014, the first monthly shortfall after three consecutive surpluses.ADRIAN WYLD/The Canadian Press
Ottawa says it posted a $6.7-billion deficit in March, the first monthly shortfall after three consecutive surpluses.
The end of the fiscal year setback was expected as last year March's deficit was even worse at $8.0-billion.
But for the year as a whole that ended March 31, the federal government remains on pace to beat its budget target of a $16.6-billion shortfall.
Before the usual final accounting adjustments, the accumulated deficit for the 2013-14 fiscal year currently sits at $12.1-billion, which puts the federal government more than $4-billion ahead of pace of its projections.
The Department of Finance says revenue increases of 5.2 per cent – $13.2-billion over last year – were the main reason for the improved balance position.
Program expenses also rose, but at a more moderate 2.8 per cent pace, or $6.8-billion more than last year.
Public debt charges were down about $176-million.