OTTAWA, ON: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation released Leger polling showing Canadians prefer a reduction in federal government spending (45 per cent) to spending increases (20 per cent) or maintaining current spending levels (19 per cent).

“The poll results show most Canadians want the government to cut spending,” said Franco Terrazzano, CTF Federal Director. “Canadians know they pay too much tax because the government wastes too much money.”

Federal government spending increased 26 per cent between 2019 and 2024, even after accounting for inflation.

Leger asked Canadians what they think should happen to federal government spending in the next four years. Results of the poll show:

• 45 per cent say reduce spending
• 20 per cent say increase spending
• 19 per cent say maintain current spending
• 15 per cent don’t know

Among decided respondents, 54 per cent of Canadians want the federal government to reduce spending.

The federal government is increasing spending to $488 billion this year – an 8.4 per cent increase over last year’s Main Estimates.

“In all of its actions, the government will be guided by a new fiscal discipline: spend less so Canadians can invest more,” according to the Throne Speech. “The government will balance its operating budget over the next three years by cutting waste, capping the public service, ending duplication, and deploying technology to improve public sector productivity.”

“Prime Minister Mark Carney told Canadians he would rein in spending, but spending is ballooning again this year,” Terrazzano said. “The poll shows Canadians want Carney to reverse course and put an end to Ottawa’s runaway spending.”