As a result, the surplus for 2000-01 will be higher than expected. Final audited results for 2000-01 will be released in the fall. EI premium revenues declined 11.5 per cent, primarily due to transfers relating to underpayments during 1999, which boosted revenues in February 2000. Excise taxes and duties were up 4.5 per cent, primarily reflecting strong growth in customs import duties. Non-tax revenues were up strongly, reflecting the timing of receipts.
Negative numbers indicate a net requirement for funds.
Direct program spending declined 5.6 per cent, primarily reflecting the timing of payments. Dampening the impact of these factors was the effect of the tax relief measures announced in the February 2000 budget and October 2000 Economic Statement and Budget Update, and higher transfers to the Canada Pension Plan and EI accounts, reflecting underpayments with respect to the 1999 taxation year. Over the balance of the fiscal year, growth in personal income tax collections will be further restrained as the full impact of tax reductions announced in the February 2000 budget and October 2000 Economic Statement and Budget Update is realized. In addition, recoveries from the Taxation Collection Accounts are not expected to be as large as in 1999-2000. Customs import duties were up strongly, while sales and excise taxes were up marginally.