Federal Spending on Consultants Rose 16 Percent in 2023: PBO

Federal spending on consultants has risen by 16 percent in 2023, the Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) has found. “Spending on professional and special services continues to increase,” reads the Nov. 17 “Supplementary Estimates 2023-24” report. “Total proposed authorities for professional and special services are at a record $21.6 billion. This amount will likely increase with additional spending requests in the next Supplementary Estimates.” The PBO noted that despite a plan to cut costs on consulting, spending in 2023-24 remains above previous years’ levels. In the 2023 budget, the federal government announced it would reduce spending on consulting, professional services, and travel by approximately 15 percent, amounting to an approximate savings of $500 million. That would amount to spending reductions of $350 million in professional and special services and $150 million in travel across 68 organizations....