1. Slide Deck A: Budget Basics

2. Three Levels of Government
Canada is a large country with different needs and interests.
To serve citizens most effectively, there are three levels of government:
Federal
Provincial/Territorial
Municipal/Local
Each level has its own structure of elected representatives and appointed officials, and a unique set of responsibilities.

3. Federal
The federal government is responsible for all national matters.
For example:
Defence and armed forces
Public safety
International trade
The environment
Citizenship and immigration

4. Provincial/Territorial
Provincial or territorial governments look after regional issues.
For example:
Health-care delivery
Agriculture
Transportation
Education
Energy

5. Municipal/Local
Local concerns are the responsibility of your municipal (or local) government.
For example:
Garbage and recycling
Water and sewer
Parks and playgrounds
Public transit
Fire protection

6. What is a budget?
A budget is a financial plan or forecast – a breakdown of money to be received and money to be spent for a specific period.
It helps to determine if you are able to save or need to borrow money, or whether you should reconsider certain spending decisions, to meet your priorities.
Budgets are used by individuals, businesses, governments and organizations.

7. What makes up a budget? A budget involves two components:
Income/Revenue: ‘money in’, money received, money earned, incoming money.
Expenses/Expenditures: ‘money out,’ money spent, costs, payment for goods and services, outflow of money.

8. Surplus vs. Deficit
A surplus occurs when you have more revenue than expenses.
A deficit happens when you have more expenses than revenue, or when you spend more than you earn.

9. Debt
When you have a deficit, you need to borrow money to cover the shortfall or gap.
The money you borrow becomes your debt. Your debt is the accumulation of annual deficits.

10. The Federal Government’s Budget
The government’s fiscal year runs from April 1 to March 31. Each annual budget forecasts revenue and expenses for this period.
The upcoming budget will estimate revenues and expenditures for the next fiscal period (April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2019). It will be released in February or March of 2018.

11. Discussion Questions
What would happen if people, businesses or the government failed to budget their finances?
Do you think it is important for you to care about the federal budget?
Why should the government be consulting with youth about the budget?