(Ottawa) The federal government recorded a deficit of 3.9 billion during the first two months of the fiscal year.
The result for the period from April to May compares with a surplus of 1.5 billion for the same period of the previous financial year.
Revenues increased by $6.5 billion, or 8.9 percent, largely due to higher tax receipts.
The Finance Ministry says program spending excluding net actuarial losses increased by $10 billion, or 15.9 percent.
Public debt charges increased by 2.3 billion, or 33.8%, due to higher interest rates.
Net actuarial losses decreased by 400 million, or 23.2%.