Government gross debt in Canada

International Monetary Fund · Annual · Importance

IMF forecast (WEO): 2026: 110.7% 2027: 109.5% 2028: 108.1% 2029: 106.7% 2030: 105.2% 2031: 103.5%

89.0 (1999) ANUAL · % of GDP · Annual · CSV

Period	% of GDP
Jan 1999	89.0
Jan 1998	93.3
Jan 1997	95.3
Jan 1996	100.2
Jan 1995	100.1
Jan 1994	97.5
Jan 1993	94.7
Jan 1992	88.2
Jan 1991	81.7
Jan 1990	73.7

About this indicator

Source

International Monetary Fund

Frequency

Annual

Release

Published annually (with quarterly advance estimates in some economies), subject to revision with the national accounts.

What it is

Canada's government debt is the stock of liabilities owed by the general government (federal, provincial and local) to its creditors. It is shown in absolute terms and, above all, as a share of GDP to gauge sustainability.

How it's calculated

It sums the liabilities of all levels of government under Government Finance Statistics, published by Statistics Canada and the Department of Finance. The debt-to-GDP ratio sets that stock against the economy, distinguishing gross from net debt.

Market implications

A high or rising debt level shapes fiscal sustainability, funding costs and fiscal room, and is watched by rating agencies underpinning Canada's AAA. The country's relatively low net debt is an anchor of credibility.

Limitations

It is a low-frequency figure revised with the national accounts. The ratio depends on both the debt stock and nominal GDP, and the weight of the provinces and pension plans means gross and net debt give very different readings.