About the government’s spending on the COVID-19 response
In April 2020, the Department of Finance began providing the Standing Committee on Finance with biweekly reports on measures related to the COVID‑19, including the expected dollar impact of each measure. In recognition of the need to inform parliamentarians quickly, the biweekly reports were prepared manually with the assistance of various federal organizations, and separately from the government’s financial systems. The OAG has not audited these reports, but does audit the government’s consolidated financial statements included in the Public Accounts of Canada, which will capture the actual annual spending associated with the COVID‑19 response measures.
On 8 July 2020, the Minister of Finance tabled an Economic and Fiscal Snapshot in Parliament. The report summarized the measures introduced and various elements related to the Canada’s COVID‑19 economic response plan.
On 30 November 2020, the Minister of Finance tabled the Fall Economic Statement in Parliament. The report provided an update on Canada’s COVID‑19 economic response plan and the budgetary forecast for the current fiscal year.
On 25 February 2021, the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates’ report on the federal government’s response to the COVID‑19 pandemic, was presented to the House of Commons. This report focused on the procurement and distribution of personal protective equipment and medical devices, and the management of the National Emergency Stockpile, as well as other elements of the government’s response.
On 19 April 2021, the Minister of Finance tabled the 2021 Federal Budget in Parliament. This document provided an update on Canada’s financial picture as well as details about the government’s plan to end the fight against COVID‑19 and for economic recovery.
