Canada's deficits and surpluses, 1963-2010

The deficit is a key consideration for all parties as the federal government brings down its budget. Use the chart to explore Canada's budgetary surplus and deficit history, including revenue and expenditure figures for every fiscal year from 1963-1964 to 2010-2011. Select a prime minister's name on the left-hand side to highlight figures from his time in office.

John Turner and Kim Campbell each served for less than one fiscal year; data for their tenures is included as part of their predecessors' terms.

* Finance Canada states that data from 1983-1984 onward are not directly compatible with earlier years due to the introduction of full accrual accounting.