The federal Liberal government unveiled their second budget since taking office on Wednesday.
Spending is a still a priority for Justin Trudeau's government, though projected deficits have slightly shrunk.
Finance Minister Bill Morneau's address included a $23-billion deficit this year, $25.5 billion next year and $24.4 billion in 2018-19 - roughly $2 billion per year less than predicted in the fall.
Where is the money going?
Much of the spending is a continuation of programs announced in 2016:
- $7 billion for new child care spaces
- $11.2 billion towards a national housing strategy
- $8.4 billion in capital defence spending for equipment through 2035
Some of the new spending includes:
- $3.4 billion for Indigenous infrastructure, health and education
- $400 million spread over three years for a new venture capital initiative
- $125 for a pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy
- $50 million for programs that teach children to code
Other notable budget highlights:
- GST will be collected on Uber and other ride-sharing services
- Alcohol costs rising; we'll pay one cent more per bottle of wine and five cents per case of 24 beer
- The Canada Savings Bond program is ended
- the 15 per cent public transit tax credit to be phased out in 2017
- families will have the option to extend parental leave from 12 to 18 months