Federal budget today

Another budget’s on the way today… this one, delivered by the Harper government.

Finance minister Jim Flaherty is set to outline the details at four this afternoon. But we do know a few details of what’s to come.

The federal budget is expected to cut government spending and streamline the civil service. It could also boost eligibility for old age security from 65 to 67.

Sources say there will also be a few changes to unemployment programs. That is apparently an attempt by the Conservative government to better match pools of people looking for work with companies struggling with labour shortages. The package will also give a boost to retraining, and improve job-vacancy information.

Interestingly a new poll which came out today says most Canadians are happy with the way the Tories are managing the public purse. It also says Canadians are hoping to see the deficit tackled – but over a number of years.

We will have the budget live beginning at 4 pm as well as expert analysis on News Now, and of course a full report at six.

Video: Lisa Knap reports: