Canada Government Spending
Government expenditure as % of GDP GC.XPN.TOTL.GD.ZS
Canada's government spending was 18.13% in 2025, ranked 91st globally. This represents a 5.8% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Canada's government spending stood at 18.13% in 2025, a decline of +1.13% from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 18.13% by 2025. Canada ranked 91st globally.
Canada's government spending as a percentage of its GDP has exhibited fluctuations over the past 35 years. With an all-time peak of 28.57% in 2020, the country's government expenditure has been on an upward trajectory since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Conversely, the trough of 16.40% in 2014 marked a period of relative fiscal restraint. Despite a recent decline to 18.13% in 2025, Canada's government spending remains above its 1990 baseline of 24.10%. This is comparable to its peer, Ireland, which ranks higher at 18.65%. The trend suggests that Canada's government spending is stabilizing, having retreated from the pandemic-driven surge. A sustained economic downturn or a significant shift in fiscal policy could potentially alter this trajectory, leading to a reevaluation of Canada's government spending trajectory.
Data & projection
| Year | Government Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 17.33% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 18.13% | - | - |
| 2025 | 18.13% | −1.13% | #91 |
| 2023 | 19.26% | +1.01% | #22 |
| 2022 | 18.25% | −4.25% | #22 |
| 2021 | 22.50% | −6.07% | #41 |
| 2020 | 28.57% | +10.47% | #64 |
| 2019 | 18.11% | +0.56% | #38 |
| 2018 | 17.54% | −0.07% | #40 |
| 2017 | 17.61% | +0.11% | #41 |
| 2016 | 17.50% | +0.44% | #38 |
| 2015 | 17.06% | +0.66% | #36 |
| 2014 | 16.40% | −0.68% | #33 |
| 2013 | 17.08% | −0.43% | #35 |
| 2012 | 17.52% | −0.33% | #36 |
| 2011 | 17.85% | −1.23% | #35 |
| 2010 | 19.08% | +0.23% | #40 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Canada matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2007. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw government spending improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Recent news suggests potential upward pressure on Canada's government spending. Yukon's reported $148 million overspend directly indicates increased territorial expenditures. Additionally, anticipated federal budget announcements and local municipal plans for
Frequently Asked Questions
Canada's government spending was 18.13% in 2025. Ranked 91st globally. This represents a 5.8% decrease from the previous year.
Canada's government spending peaked at 28.57% in 2020.
The lowest government spending in Canada was 16.40% in 2014.
Canada ranks 91st globally in government spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GC.XPN.TOTL.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Canada's government spending is projected to reach 18.13% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The government spending of Canada in 2025 was 18.13%. This ranks 91st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_canada_government-spending,
title = {Canada Government Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/canada/government-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}