Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has asked all of his ministers to submit concrete plans to reduce their departments' daily operating costs by the end of the summer season, in a move aimed at achieving financial savings and easing the burden on the federal budget.

According to government documents reviewed by CTV News, members of the government were asked to prepare proposals that include measures to curb spending, without affecting essential services or programs relied upon by Canadians.

Carney's office stated that "this exercise is part of the government's commitment to financial responsibility and ensuring the sustainability of public funding," adding that ministers are required "to identify areas where efficiency can be improved and to reallocate resources according to the government's priorities."

This directive comes at a time when the government faces increasing pressure to address the deficit and reduce spending levels that have risen since the COVID-19 pandemic, amid an economic slowdown and rising borrowing costs.

Final savings plans are expected to be presented in the fall, after which they will undergo review and assessment before implementation decisions are made.