Freeland to hold fiscal update virtually after staffers test positive for COVID

Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland will not appear in person to provide her accounting of federal finances today because of concerns over COVID-19.

Freeland said on Twitter that two of her staffers tested positive after taking rapid antigen tests and that while she has had two negative molecular tests, she will present her update virtually out of an abundance of caution.

“Today, two members of my staff, who used rapid antigen tests as a precaution, received a positive test result,” Freeland said on Twitter about 90 minutes before she was to rise in the House of Commons and deliver her update.

“They are self-isolating at home. I have not had direct contact with them. The rest of my staff in Ottawa have had negative antigen tests today.”

1:45 Trudeau government to deliver Canada’s financial snapshot on Dec. 14

Freeland will be providing an updated accounting of federal finances today and provide the government’s economic outlook for the coming months.

The government predicted the deficit for last fiscal year would be $354.2 billion, and nearly $155 billion this year.

But federal books could have billions more in extra fiscal space helped by higher oil prices, which have also helped push up inflation rates.

Freeland didn’t directly answer a question Monday about how that will be reflected in today’s update, saying she would have more to say once the document is released.

While the Liberals promised billions in new spending on the election campaign, the Finance Department has sent signals that the update won’t have a long list of new spending measures.

One measure was unveiled Monday, as the government set aside $40 billion to compensate First Nations children and undertake long-term reforms to the child-welfare system.

Economists suggest that some promised spending might be delayed because it could add to inflationary pressures.

While the Bank of Canada has a mandate to keep inflation in check, the government agreed Monday it plays a role in helping the central bank maintain inflation around its two-per-cent target.

6:46 No short-term solutions to rising cost of living: former Bank of Canada governor

BMO director of Canadian rates Benjamin Reitzes said the wording could be a sign that the government recognizes it is time to stand down a bit on its stimulus spending.

Freeland is facing calls for more benefit spending from labour groups, and requests from business groups for a plan to deal with supply-chain issues, “Buy American” provisions the White House is pushing and domestic labour shortages.

Dennis Darby, president of Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, says the issues could weaken the economic rebound from COVID-19.