Details of the Harper Government’s budget have been revealed in the House of Commons. Finance Minister Jim Flaherty says the budget is nearly balanced with a $2.9-billion deficit. It also features a $3-billion contingency fund. The budget includes new spending of just $700 million compared with nearly $2 billion in cuts. The fiscal plan also contains a warning of coming plans to cut the cost of compensating public servants. The budget also increases taxes on tobacco products and offers modest help to the families of veterans. It includes measures to improve infrastructure, extend rural Internet access and shore up Parks Canada facilities.