This chart presents the overall spending trend for the Department of Finance Canada from 2008–09 to 2010–11. For the 2008–09 to 2010–11 periods, it compares spending figures for the Main Estimates, planned spending, total authorities and actual spending.

Year-over-year spending for the Main Estimates and planned spending indicates an upward trend. Conversely, year-over-year spending for total authorities and actual spending demonstrates a downward trend. The year-over-year spending trend is as follows:  The Main Estimates were $90.0 billion in 2008–09, $82.9 billion in 2009–10, and $88.5 billion in 2010–11. Planned spending was $80.0 billion in 2008–09, $83.2 billion in 2009–10, and $88.7 billion in 2010–11. Total authorities were $211.0 billion in 2008–09, $198.6 billion in 2009–10, and $161.1 billion in 2010–11. Finally, actual spending was $210.8 billion in 2008–09, $198.4 billion in 2009–10, and $160.8 billion in 2010–11.