Appropriation Act No. 5, 2023-24, is a law that allows the government to spend money for the year ending March 31, 2024. It says that the government can use up to $8,911,403,788 from the country's bank account to pay for different costs and programs. This money is for things that have not already been paid for. The Act also says that some money can be moved between different budgets and that these changes are approved as of April 1, 2023.
The money is split into two schedules. Schedule 1 allows for $8,743,160,420 to be spent, and Schedule 2 allows for $168,243,368 to be spent. Schedule 2 also states that money allocated can be charged to the current fiscal year, as well as the following one.
The Act outlines specific amounts for different departments and agencies. This includes money for things like paying employees, running programs, and building new things. It also allows some departments to use money they earn to pay for their own costs. The law says that the money can only be used for the things it is meant for.
There are some specific authorities given to departments, such as the Department of National Defence having authority for total commitments of over $43 billion. Also, the Treasury Board is allowed to move money between different budgets to cover things like pay raises and insurance. This law is important because it allows the government to pay for the things it needs to run the country.
Spending
This bill grants a total of $8,911,403,788 for various government departments and agencies. Schedule 1 allocates $8,743,160,420, while Schedule 2 allows for $168,243,368, which can be charged to the current or following fiscal year. These funds cover operating and capital expenditures, grants, and contributions to various organizations.
Energy
The bill includes payments to Atomic Energy of Canada Limited for operating and capital expenditures ($5,760,000).
Crime
The bill allocates funds to the Correctional Service of Canada ($34,569,820) for operating and capital expenditures, grants, and contributions related to correctional services. It also allocates funds to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police ($261,331,606) for operating and capital expenditures, grants, and contributions related to policing services.
Defense
The bill allocates a large amount of funds to the Department of National Defence ($2,180,791,583) for operating and capital expenditures, grants, and contributions related to national defense.
Foreign Aid
The bill allocates funds to the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development ($45,531,285) for international humanitarian assistance and assistance in relation to international security, international development and global peace.