Federal Spending on Consultants Rose 16 Percent in 2023: PBO

The PBO noted despite Ottawa’s recent plan to cut costs on consulting, spending in 2023-24 remains above previous years’ levels.

Parliamentary Budget Officer Yves Giroux prepares to appear before a committee in Ottawa, on June 13, 2022. The Canadian Press/Justin Tang

Federal spending on consultants has risen by 16 percent in 2023, the Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) has found.

“Spending on professional and special services continues to increase,” reads the Nov. 17 “Supplementary Estimates 2023-24” report. “Total proposed authorities for professional and special services are at a record $21.6 billion. This amount will likely increase with additional spending requests in the next Supplementary Estimates.”