$720 million of programs and operations to be cut this year

The federal government is cutting $720 million worth of programs and operations this year, including those belonging to sensitive agencies. The cuts are part of a total of $10.4 billion in federal spending reductions this fiscal year, most of which are the result of the end of recession-fighting infrastructure programs. Agencies affected by the program cuts or reductions include the federal nuclear safety watchdog, the public health agency, an agency that tracks hazardous materials and a 20 per cent reduction in Environment Canada’s budget. However, nearly all the government’s public security and safety programs are seeing spending increases, such as a 21 per cent hike for the Correctional Service, bringing it to $2.98 billion. The Hill Times