CBC News is reporting that Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne presented his first federal budget on Tuesday, which includes significant spending to support an economy struggling with economic challenges and cuts to the public service. CBC News said the budget forecasts a deficit rise to $78 billion. CBC News also noted that Prime Minister Mark Carney's first budget allocates $81.8 billion for defense, but lacks specifics on how the funds will be spent. Separately, CBC News said Nova Scotia MP Chris d'Entremont resigned from the Conservative caucus to join the Liberals.
