The federal government gave the nation a financial update Tuesday evening with the focus being on affordability, training for the workforce of tomorrow, and the deficit.

The deficit is projected to be down to $66.9-B from $78-B, and down to $56-B in a few years.

An improved economic performance gave Ottawa about an extra $60-B, most of which is going to new spending including a $400 weekly wage top-up for apprentices in the skilled trades, and a $5,000 bonus upon completion of the program.

There is an extra $755-M for sports to be used to attract marquee events and to develop athletes.

Government will also establish a financial crimes agency.

Most of the affordability measures such as pausing the excise tax on gas and diesel and the enhancement of the GST/grocery benefit were previously announced.

However, the amount Canadians pay into the Canada Pension Plan will go down. Government used the example that someone making $70,000 a year will see their CPP bill go down by $133 a year. The employer also saves $133 on that employee.

Government also mentioned opportunities regarding airports, but did not use the word “privatization.”

The economic statement puts the cost of a barrel of oil for the year at about $20 less than where it currently is and is expected to be for a while.