OTTAWA — The Finance Department says the federal deficit was $13 billion between April and September. That compares to an $8.2 billion deficit over the same period last year. ADVERTISEMENT According to the monthly fiscal monitor released today, revenues were up $20.3 billion, or 9.6 per cent, compared with the first half of the 2023-24 fiscal year. Program expenses excluding net actuarial losses and gains increased $21.7 billion, or 11.2 per cent, due to higher direct program spending and transfers to people and other levels of government. Public debt charges rose by $5.2 billion, or 22.5 per cent, largely reflecting higher interest rates. Net actuarial losses and gains decreased by $1.8 billion, or 46.8 per cent. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 29, 2024. Related Stories GDP per capita falls for sixth straight quarter, economists split on rate cut size Liberals, NDP pass bill to enact GST holiday in House of Commons Canada already examining tariffs on certain U.S. items following Trump’s threat Top Stories Trudeau, Trump Discuss Trade, Border at Crucial Mar-a-Lago Meeting November 29, 2024 at 6:08PM EST