Minister Anand Addresses Report That Cabinet Was Told to Cut $15B From Spending

President of the Treasury Board Anita Anand, left, looks on as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland speaks to reporters during the Liberal Cabinet retreat in Charlottetown on Aug. 22, 2023. Darren Calabrese/The Canadian Press

The Liberal government clarified that what was initially reported as a $15 billion cut to its spending plans is actually just a repurposing of taxpayer dollars.

“Recently, I asked all my ministerial colleagues to ensure that they were examining their respective portfolios so that we can deliver a budget commitment of this year’s budget for $15 billion over five years in refocused spending,” Treasury Board President Anita Anand told reporters on Aug. 22.